keen close up, chased leader 8th, every chance 3 out, led next, jinked right approaching last, ran on, comfortable
keen tracked leader, led 5th, ridden and headed 2 out, kept on same pace flat
in touch in rear, headway when not fluent 4 out, ridden to chase winner approaching last, kept on one pace
tracked leaders, pushed along 3 out, ridden and weakened flat
pushed along to lead, slow 1st, headed 5th, dropped to rear 8th, soon struggling, tailed off
The top three in the market dominate but JAC BROWN impressed over course and distance this month in a fair handicap hurdle and can follow up back in novice hurdle company despite his penalty. Johnny B plies his trade with admirable consistency and will surely get his head in front sooner or later. He's an obvious danger with trip and ground to suit. Reverting to hurdles with Licklighter for the first time since joining his current yard is an interesting move and he's a danger too, having won with plenty to spare over fences this month.
Jac Brown 17-2 (11-8) In rear, not fluent 4 out, headway between horses before 3 out, led approaching 2 out, ridden clear last, stayed on strongly flat, won at Worcester 2m 7f hcp (4) gd in May beating Samtara (11-4) by 12l, 9 ran.
Johnny B (IRE) 5-6fav (11-4) Chased leader, led 4th, ridden and headed 2 out, beaten 3rd when left 2nd last, well held by winner flat, 2nd of 9, 15l behind Presenting Jeremy (11-4) at Worcester 2m 7f (4) gd in May.
Licklighter (IRE) 9-2 (11-4) In rear, pushed along and went 2nd before 2 out, led on approach to last, ran on flat, easily, won at Southwell 3m hcp (4) gd in May beating Commodore Barry (11-4) by 13l, 6 ran.
Percussion Malinas gelding out of Tambourine Ridge.
Sussex Road (IRE) 300-1 (10-12) Soon well behind, lost touch 6th, continued tailed off, last of 5, dist behind Fidelio Vallis (11-4) at Southwell 2m (4) gd in Apr.
Pollards Fen (IRE) 6-4fav (12-0) Led to 3; led 3 out; easy, won at Dingley 3m mdn gd in May beating Everything Now (12-0) by 10l, 10 ran.
