tracked leader who soon went clear, landed steeply 1st, closed 5th, led next, drew away from 3 out, easily
took keen hold, jumped right, led and soon clear, mistake and headed 6th, mistake 3 out, weakened approaching 2 out
held up towards rear, hit 3rd, went 24 lenghts 5th 3 out, went 2nd approaching 2 out, no chance with winner
not fluent 2nd or 3rd, always in rear, tailed off
took keen hold, off the pace in mid-division, 23 lenghts 4th 3 out, one pace
held up in rear, 35 lenghts 9th 3 out, never dangerous, not disgraced
chased leaders, 17 lenghts 3rd 3 out, one pace
off the pace in mid-division, jumped right and not fluent 5th, soon weakened, mistake 3 out, tailed off
If there is any more rain to soften the ground then that may favour Malindi Bay who has won on heavy ground, however she needs to have improved her jumping in summer training in order to challenge. The market will provide the guide to the chances of Jonjo O'Neill newcomers Roper and Barrie Burn, with the latter likely to prove more popular in the betting given the jockey in the saddle. Pie At Midnight is less than straightforward and refused to settle when last seen here so unbeaten former French performer Silviniaco Conti is regarded the most likely challenger. He has a real chance for Paul Nicholls but MY BROTHER SYLVEST receives the nomination after a game win at Stratford. His front running tactics may be suitable here and although his trainer isn't blessed with a plethora of winners, he can get another with My Brother Sylvest.
Silviniaco Conti (FR) (10-5) won at Nancy(FR) 2m 1f hdl gd in Apr beating Saga D'allier (10-1) by 10l, 10 ran.
My Brother Sylvest 5-1 (10-12) Made all, jumped right, hit 2nd, clear 2 out, ran on well, won at Stratford 2m nov hdl (4) gf in Sep beating Flichity (10-9) by 17l, 10 ran.
Barrie Burn (IRE) Flemensfirth gelding out of Phardester.
Grafite 20-1 (11-4) Led 5f, tracked leader, weakened over 3f out, 11th of 14, 18l behind Priceless Art (11-1) at Stratford 2m mdn NH flat (5) gf in Mar.
Kayfton Pete 40-1 (10-5) Held up towards rear, headway 7f out, ridden over 2f out, no impression, 6th of 12, 36l behind Total Submission (11-4) at Southwell 2m NH flat (6) gd in Apr.
Pie At Midnight 14-1 (10-4) Mid-division, effort on inside 2 out, soon ridden, 3rd and one pace when not fluent last, 3rd of 8, 4 1/2l behind Mister Stickler (11-0) at Bangor 2m 1f nov hdl (4) gs in Mar.
Roper (IRE) Beneficial gelding out of Lady Fancy.
Malindi Bay 18-1 (10-4) Held up in rear, headway approaching 3 out, stayed on to take 3rd last, 3rd of 12, 18l behind Mostly Bob (10-7) at Uttoxeter 2m 4f mdn hdl (4) gd in Apr.
Our Flora Alflora mare out of Charlotte Gray.
Roxane Bruere (FR) 40-1 (10-6) Held up in rear, under pressure 4 out, soon beaten, 7th of 11, well behind Rebel Du Maquis (10-13) at Wincanton 2m 4f nov hdl (4) gf in Apr.