chased leader, led approaching 3 out, headed before last, still every chance last, no extra towards finish
held up towards rear, headway approaching 3 out, hard ridden flat, led close home
tracked leaders, weakened last
led until approaching 3 out, weakened before 2 out, behind and fell last
always prominent, challenged 3 out, ridden to lead approaching last, headed close home
held up in last pair, raced keenly, not fluent 7th, ridden 3 out, soon beaten, behind when fell last
held up in last pair, raced keenly, not fluent 2nd, pushed along after 8, ridden 3 out, soon beaten
Nonrunner
Mutual Friend won well last time out but we are going to side with TREATY FLYER who is in great form of late and expected to get the better of Premier Des Marais. The selection was mugged late on in better company in her quest for the four-timer at Stratford a couple of starts ago, but gained compensation with a stylish display last time out. She was given a well-judged ride by her in-form jockey and never looked in serious trouble down the home straight. The booking again of Richard Johnson furthers her claims and further improvement may be forthcoming. Premier Des Marais disappointed when switched back to hurdles this month after an unsuccessful spell over fences, but ran a much better race last time out and looks to be on a reasonable mark and should make the money. David Pipe trained Mutual Friend is a horse that often travels well and was the winner of a Southwell handicap last time. He's been hit hard by the handicapper though and things will be tougher this time out. The tongue tie has clearly been a big help to Celticello recently and he looks to be returning to some good form, he's far from his best though and should be of no concern to our selection treaty Flyer.
King's Revenge 14-1 (11-8) Held up in rear, headway approaching 8th, weakened after next, 9th of 15, 31l behind Snake Charmer (10-12) at Uttoxeter 2m 6f hcp hdl 0-150 (2) gs in Mar.
Ship's Hill (IRE) 12-1 (11-4) In touch, ridden and every chance approaching 2 out, weakened approaching last, 5th of 10, 14l behind Royal Rationale (11-7) at Newton Abbot 2m 3f hcp hdl 0-135 (3) gd in May.
Gold Reef 10-1 (11-0) Held up, headway approaching 6th, ridden after 3 out, one pace from next, 4th of 8, 12l behind Classic Swain (11-0) at Newton Abbot 2m 3f hcp hdl 0-130 (3) gf in May.
Good Spirit (FR) 6-1 (11-8) Held up towards rear, hit 6th, chased leaders 3f out, no impression from next, 4th of 10, 18l behind Toshi (11-2) at Bangor 2m 1f hcp hdl 0-135 (3) gd in May.
Overstrand (IRE) 6-1 (11-3) Held up, ridden and outpaced after 3 out, stayed on approaching last, went 3rd flat, 3rd of 9, 8l behind Pepporoni Pete (10-13) at Bangor 2m 1f hcp hdl 0-120 (3) gs in May.
Celticello (IRE) 20-1 (10-5) Held up towards rear, good headway after 3 out, led next, ridden and headed approaching last, kept on same pace, 2nd of 10, 4l behind Royal Rationale (11-7) at Newton Abbot 2m 3f hcp hdl 0-135 (3) gd in May.
Premier Des Marais (FR) 17-2 (11-7) In touch, raced keenly, led after 3 out, blundered 2 out, soon headed, stayed on under pressure flat, 2nd of 13, nk behind Bonikos (11-12) at Towcester 2m 3f hcp hdl 0-115 (4) gd in May.
Mutual Friend (USA) 7-1 (11-9) Held up in rear, headway 6th, went 2nd going well after 3 out, led on bit before last easily, won at Southwell 2m hcp hdl 0-125 (3) gd in May beating Lady Hillingdon (10-3) by 5l, 10 ran.
Is It Me (USA) 33-1 (11-12) Led until ridden and headed approaching 3 out, weakened quickly, tailed off, 10th of 13, 41l behind Oceana Gold (11-9) at Stratford 2m hcp hdl 0-135 (3) gd in May.
Treaty Flyer (IRE) 5-4fav (11-4) Tracked leaders, led approaching 2 out, ridden clear from last, won at Southwell 2m 1f hcp hdl 0-120 (3) gd in May beating Lady Hillingdon (10-8) by 8l, 10 ran.