led at decent pace, mistake 3rd, joined 3 out, headed approaching 2 out, weakened quickly
soon tracking leader, challenged from 3 out, led going well approaching 2 out, soon in command, readily
in touch, hit 3 out, soon ridden, staying on to dispute 3rd when mistake last, weakened run-in
mid-division, pushed along before 5th, soon behind
in touch, hit 4th, headway next, stumbled after 3 out, mistake 2 out, stayed on same pace from next
always rear division, well behind 3 out
hit 1st, always rear, tailed off when pulled up before 3 out
chased leaders, ridden to go 2nd and hit 2 out, soon no chance with winner but clear of rest
not jumped well, always rear, tailed off
Enlightenment, Brentwood and El Bandindos look the three to concentrate on in this trappy opener and the tentative vote is given to Brentwood. The selection was a fair second behind The Reel Deal last time out. That form looks rock solid in the context of this race and under conditions that suit he looks the one to be on. Enlightenment rates the main danger as he won with plenty in hand when beating Mon Michel last time out. However this looks tougher and he may struggle under his penalty. El Bandindos is another that could go well as he ran with promise on his debut and is sure to improve but the suspicion is he will be seen to better effect over a longer trip in time. Of the remainder, Kelv ran well in bumpers but has not progressed as expected over hurdles, while Suntini is from a yard in form and could go well at a price but for the winner we are happy to return to Brentwood.
Enlightenment (IRE) 5-4 (11-8) Made all, in command before 2 out, eased towards finish, won at Plumpton 2m nov hdl (4) sft beating Mon Michel (10-8) by 10l, 7 ran.
Benetwood (IRE) 6-5fav (11-10) In touch, chased leaders 3 out, ridden and every chance 2 out, found nil, 2nd of 10, 8l behind The Real Deal (11-11) at Fontwell 2m 2f nh nov hdl (4) gs in Feb.
El Bandindos (IRE) 10-1 (11-0) Prominent until ridden 3f out, soon weakened, 5th of 17, 6l behind Tokala (11-0) at Cheltenham 2m nhf (H) gd in Oct '05.
Kelv 66-1 (10-12) Towards rear, ridden and struggling approaching 3 out, last of 13, 50l behind My Turn Now (11-5) at Kempton 2m nh nov hdl (4) gs in Nov.
Lucozade 100-1 (11-1) Led, ridden and headed 6th, weakened after 3 out, 9th of 14, 43l behind Presentandcorrect (11-1) at Fontwell 2m 2f nh nov hdl (4) gd.
Suntini (GER) 16-1 (11-2) Held up, closed on leaders 3 out, upsides 2 out, soon no extra, 3rd of 6, 7l behind William Bonney (11-12) at Sandown 2m nov hdl (3) hvy in Feb.
Intense Suspense (IRE) 16-1 (10-7) Always behind, 10th of 14, 43l behind King Mak (11-1) at Newcastle 2m nh nov hdl (4) hvy.
Neverstopbelieving 66-1 (10-5) In touch until weakened 6f out, 8th of 12, well behind Debut (10-12) at Fontwell 1m 6f mrs nhf (6) gs in Dec.
Petrovka (IRE) 9-1 (11-0) In touch, not much room 3rd, ridden after 5th, soon weakened, tailed off when pulled up 3 out in race won by Tabora (11-5) at Towcester 2m mrs nov hdl (4) hvy in Nov, 6 ran.
Misttori Belle 14-1 (10-6) Led, headed 5f out, ridden and kept on same pace final 3f, 4th of 14, 31l behind Turbo Linn (10-9) at Catterick 2m mrs nhf (5) sft.
