led, not fluent 2 out, ridden and hung left before last, driven flat, headed towards finish
tracked leader until 7th, stayed handy, ridden and edged right before last, stayed on flat, led towards finish
chased leaders, 2nd 7th, not fluent 4 out, no extra 3 out, weakened next
chased leaders on outside, not always fluent, weakened 8th, pulled up before 4 out
in touch in rear, headway 7th, disputing 2 out 3 out, carried right before not fluent last, 3rd and beaten flat, stayed on towards finish, almost took 2nd
Having shown little inclination to extend himself for the best part of two years, River Purple popped up from 10lb out of the handicap at 33/1 at Ludlow last month, though whether he’ll reproduce that running here is anybody’s guess. TODAY PLEASE (NAP) looks a far more reliable prospect having followed up a hurdles win at Doncaster with a smooth victory at Towcester on his debut over fences. Cape Caster could bounce back at any time and has more scope than Guanciale but Saffron Prince is probably best watched at present.
Today Please (IRE) 11-8jfav (11-8) Jumped well, pressed leader, led 6th, made rest, went left 3 out, clear form next, easily, won at Towcester 2m hcp (4) gf in Apr beating Fingers Crossed (10-12) by 7l, 5 ran.
Cape Caster (IRE) 3-1fav (12-6) Close up, disputing 2nd when blundered badly and unseated rider 3 out, at Ludlow 2m hcp (4) gd in Apr.
Saffron Prince 11-8jfav (11-4) Took keen hold, held up in 4th place, closer in 3rd when went left next, stumbled badly and fell 6th, at Towcester 2m hcp (4) gf in Apr.
River Purple 33-1 (10-0) Raced wide, tracked leaders, went 2nd after 9th, led 4 out, edged left run-in, ridden out, won at Ludlow 2m hcp (3) gd in Apr beating Noche De Reyes (11-12) by 1 1/4l, 6 ran.
Guanciale 25-1 (11-8) Tracked leaders, effort 3 out, weakened next, remote 4th, 4th of 5, dist behind Baraza (11-13) at Stratford 2m 1f hcp (4) gd in Apr.
