prominent, tracked leaders 3rd, led approaching 3 out, shaken up and drew clear 2 out, not fluent last, stayed on well, easily
close up, pushed along before 5th, hit 4 out and reminders, soon tailed off
held up in rear, ridden and no impression after 4 out, plugged on for modest 3rd
led, raced keenly, jumped sketchily first few, pushed along and headed approaching 3 out, weakened before 2 out
towards rear, went 3rd before 3rd, close 2nd jumping 3 out, ridden before 2 out where mistake, soon well held by winner
NonRunner
Inferno Sacree seeks the four-timer but has yet to meet ground worse than soft and is 30lb higher than when starting his winning streak. However, he did score easily last time at Plumpton so has every chance of defying his latest 11lb hike if handling conditions. Thunderclap is interesting on handicap bow but looks on a high enough mark and COULDBEAWEAPON (NAP) is preferred for a yard having a fine season. The gelding could not have been more consistent this term and the drop down in trip may be ideal. He's also been dropped 3lb by the handicapper. Benassi and Port Or Starboard can’t be discounted in a tricky contest.
Benassi (IRE) 11-4 (12-0) Led until before 2nd, chased winner, ridden and no impression from 2 out, kept on, 2nd of 11, 7l behind Fortescue Wood (12-0) at Ayr 2m (4) gs in Feb.
Couldbeaweapon (IRE) 10-3 (11-8) Prominent, travelling well 4f out, pushed along 3f out, pressed leader 2f out, 1 length down entering final furlong, stayed on same inside final furlong, 3rd of 9, 3 1/4l behind Fingal's Hill (11-9) at Doncaster 2m 3f hcp (4) gd in Mar.
Port Or Starboard (IRE) 3-1 (11-9) Chased winner until after 2nd, chased leaders out wide, disputing 2nd home turn, 3rd and no impression when shaken up before 2 out, 3rd of 5, 8 1/4l behind John Betjeman (11-13) at Ffos Las 2m hcp (4) hvy in Mar.
Inferno Sacree (FR) 13-8fav (11-6) Not fluent on occasions, made all, increased lead approaching 2 out, impressive, won at Plumpton 2m hcp (5) sft in Mar beating Mickyh (10-5) by 9 1/2l, 6 ran.
Imperial Measure (IRE) 11-2 (11-3) Led and disputed, wandered into some flights, not fluent 4 out, every chance next, lost place and weakened 2 out, 5th of 6, 13 1/2l behind Auba Me Yang (11-4) at Ffos Las 2m hcp (5) gs in Feb.
Thunderclap (IRE) 5-2 (11-6) Chased leaders, headway when not fluent 3 out, soon went second, pushed along next, ridden flat, no match for winner, 2nd of 9, 3 3/4l behind Milldam (11-6) at Huntingdon 2m mdn (4) sft in Mar.
