Far from a race for the faint hearted and in a race where a case can be made for many, LAHIB THE FIFTH could have been let in lightly by the handicapper. David Pipe's charge has been unsighted in his three most recent chases but given the application of cheekpieces and the return to hurdling, the former course winner might just retain enough ability in order to take advantage. Macra Na Feirme ran far better than was anticipated in a handicap at this course in May and he is worthy of interest dropped in grade while Wicklewood is a long standing maiden that should be capable, on pedigree at least, of taking a hand in the outcome of the race. Midnight Spirit, with blinkers replacing the usual visor, needs little introduction at plating level though he is relatively unproven over this distance.
Loughmore Vic (IRE) 12-1 (12-0) Rr mid div, 9th 1/2way, prog aftr 5out & 4th bef 4out, wknd 3out, to 2out, 7th of 13, well behind Clara More (12-0) at Kildorrery 3m ire ptp sft in Feb.
Midnight Spirit 9-1 (11-1) In touch, ridden before 2 out, one pace and no impression, 4th of 5, 13l behind Santo Thomas (11-12) at Towcester 2m hcp hdl 0-110 (4) sft in May.
Come On Flash (IRE) 12-1 (12-0) Alw twrds rr, pu 5out, in a race won by Kitegen (12-0) at Lisronagh 3m ire ptp gs in Mar, 16 ran.
Courting Whitney (IRE) 25-1 (11-9) Towards rear, headway 7th, ridden and in 3rd before 2 out, weakened last, 6th of 12, 12l behind Sunny Spells (11-7) at Stratford 2m 6f hcp hdl 0-100 (5) gs.
Bay Central (IRE) 12-1 (11-1) Held up towards rear, 7th 2 out, never nearer, 5th of 11, 14l behind Weybridge Light (11-7) at Hereford 2m 1f nov hcp hdl 0-95 (5) gd in Jun.
Sovereign Spirit (IRE) 33-1 (10-11) Behind, pushed along 7th, soon struggling, tailed off, 8th of 10, well behind Orvita (10-10) at Fontwell 2m 6f hcp hdl 0-105 (4) hvy in Jan.
Bingo des Mottes (FR) 6-1 (12-0) in a race won by Before The War (11-7) at Lower Machen 3m ptp gs in May, 11 ran.
Lahib The Fifth (IRE) 7-1 (10-6) Held up behind, headway and in touch 5th, challenged 10th, outpaced 4 out, soon ridden and lost place, weakened 2 out, tailed off, 5th of 7, well behind Checkerboard (11-7) at Hexham 2m 4f cnd hcp chs 0-115 (4) gf in May '11.
Priest Field (IRE) 16-1 (9-7) Mid-division, ridden and struggling 3 out, 6th of 10, 28l behind The Tiddly Tadpole (11-12) at Hereford 2m 1f hcp hdl 0-115 (4) gd in Jun.
Wicklewood 7-1 (11-6) Held up towards rear, headway to go 5th before 2 out, went 4th from last, one pace, 4th of 10, 12l behind Southway Star (11-1) at Ffos Las 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-95 (5) hvy in Jun.
Macra Na Feirme (IRE) 28-1 (11-2) Led until after 1st, prominent, not fluent 5th, mistake 3 out, stayed on same pace flat, 3rd of 17, 5l behind Themanfromfraam (10-10) at Worcester 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-95 (5) gd in May.
Henry The First (IRE) 4-1 (11-1) Prominent, took keen hold, hampered and left in lead 3rd, headed after 5th, well held 2 out, one pace, 4th of 9, 25l behind Behtarini (10-13) at Newton Abbot 2m 3f nov hcp hdl 0-95 (5) sft in Jun.
