took keen hold, soon in mid-division, headway 6th, ridden approaching 2 out, led last, soon headed, no extra
mid-division, progress after 5th, led approaching 2 out, soon hung left, headed before last, weakened flat
in touch, driven along after 4th, weakened 6th, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
mid-division, headway approaching 4th, every chance last, one pace flat
took keen hold, tracked leaders, led 5th to 6th, weakened approaching 2 out
always behind
tracked leaders, ridden 6th, soon weakened
took keen hold, led to 5th, led again 6th, headed before mistake 2 out, stayed on same pace flat
mid-division, struggling after 5th
held up, some headway after 6th, stayed on well from last to take 2nd towards finish
held up towards rear, ridden and headway after 6th, led last, stayed on well
always behind
with leader until 4th, weakened next
Nonrunner
Nonrunner
Nonrunner
Keepitsecret has done nothing wrong of late, and can defy a penalty in the finale, with Ruby Dante, Atlantic Rhapsody and Tisseman just a few worthy rivals. This appears to be the most competitive race on the card, but there was a lot to like about the way that Keepitsecret went about his business when scoring at Newton Abbot last time. Jonjo O'Neill's six-year-old travelled like a dream and shaped as though there is a lot more in the tank. The only negative would be his ability to handle the softer conditions, and for that fact he cannot be considered a 'good thing', but he still appeals as the one to be on. Ex-pointer Ruby Dante made all to open her account under rules at Uttoxeter last time, and will make sure they get towed along at a decent pace until the race unfolds in earnest, while Atlantic Rhapsody needs to improve from tackling lesser company. Tisseman has been off for three months, but has the class to take a hand if fit enough, and of those down the bottom, First Boy is worth a small look. Keepitsecret will no doubt be going chasing soon, but in the meantime can maintain his winning sequence over hurdles despite topweight.
Keepitsecret (IRE) 4-1 (11-11) Held up, good headway 3 out, led 2 out, not fluent last, comfortably, won at N Abbot 3m 3f hcp hdl 0-105 (4) gd beating Not For Diamonds (11-7) by 3l, 10 ran.
Tisseman (IRE) 8-1 (11-4) Held up, mistake and unseated rider at the 5th in race won by Pyleigh Lady (11-2) at Newbury 2m 3f nov hcp hdl (3) gs in Mar, 16 ran.
Atlantic Rhapsody (FR) 20-1 (11-3) Held up last, headway 5th, ridden and outpaced 3 out, stayed on well from 2 out, went 2nd after last, 2nd of 12, 15l behind Lunar Crystal (10-13) at Fontwell 2m 4f clm hdl (5) gs in May.
Ruby Dante (IRE) 7-2fav (11-4) Made all, mistake 7th, joined when mistake 2 out, all out, won at Uttoxeter 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-105 (4) gs in May beating Kilrossanty (10-11) by a nk, 11 ran.
The Glen 14-1 (11-4) Held up towards rear, headway 6th, ridden 3 out, led 2 out, headed last, soon beaten, 3rd of 13, 4l behind Loita Hills (11-5) at Stratford 2m 3f amt hcp hdl 0-110 (4) gd in May.
Sashenka 5-1 (10-0) Held up, headway 3 out, weakened approaching 2 out, 5th of 15, 17l behind Sandymac (10-12) at Towcester 2m nh nov hdl (4) gd.
First Boy (GER) 33-1 (10-0) Mid-division, headway when hit 3 out, mistake 2 out, stayed on same pace, 3rd of 11, 7l behind Dishdasha (11-3) at Uttoxeter 2m hcp hdl 0-115 (4) gs in May.
Lilac 7-4fav (11-13) In touch, driven along after 6th, outpaced from 2 out, mistake last, 4th of 10, 10l behind Ouh Jay (10-10) at Hereford 2m 4f mrs hcp hdl (4) gf.
