led, ridden and headed before 2 out, quickly beaten
held up in last, headway on outside from 7th, led before 2 out, clear flat, easily
chased leader, slow 4th, ridden before 2 out, no impression on winner flat
not always fluent, held up behind leaders, ridden and went 3rd before 2 out, no impression
chased leaders, not fluent 7th or 7th, outpaced before 2 out, soon well held in last
Diligent made all at Newton Abbot last week and has now won nine of his 37 races under Rules. He is giving a lot of weight to his rivals here, however, including fellow recent winner Marajman and Ask Paddington, who looked to be on the way back at Hexham 12 days ago when running an improver to half-a-length. SALLEY GARDENS steadily worked his way through the ranks last season. The ground is in his favour and he’ll strip fitter for his latest run at Wincanton. Koi Dodville steps up in trip after a disappointing effort when favourite at Hexham.
Diligent (FR) 13-8fav (11-9) Made all, hit 4 out, ridden before 2 out, forged clear 2 out, ran on and eased towards finish, comfortably, won at Newton Abbot 2m 2f hcp (3) gd in May beating Chapmanshype (12-0) by 7 1/2l, 5 ran.
Ask Paddington (IRE) 5-1 (11-10) In rear, headway to track leaders before 2 out, pushed along and pressed leaders home turn, led narrowly approaching last, soon headed, stayed on but held towards finish, 2nd of 8, 1/2l behind Vintage Fizz (11-10) at Hexham 2m 4f hcp (4) gs in May.
Marajman (FR) 22-1 (11-11) In touch in mid-division, closed from 4 out, challenged after next, led and edged left before last, stayed on well, won at Southwell 2m 4f hcp (4) gd in May beating Stratton Oakmont (11-8) by 3 1/2l, 12 ran.
Salley Gardens (IRE) 7-2 (11-8) Midfield, headway to chase leaders 3 out, led 2 out, ridden and joined last, mistake last, headed on run in, 2nd of 10, 1/2l behind The Raven's Return (10-9) at Wincanton 2m 5f hcp (4) gd in Mar.
Koi Dodville (FR) 11-8fav (10-11) Held up in mid-division, briefly shaken up halfway, ridden 2 out, some headway when firmly driven approaching final flight, weakened gradually on flat, 6th of 9, 8l behind Drumconnor Lad (11-12) at Hexham 2m hcp (3) gd in Apr.