held up, ridden after 14th, one pace from 4 out, left 4th at last
held up, hampered 12th, weakened quickly, pulled up before 14th
chased leaders, ridden after 14th, outpaced 3 out, left 3rd at last, stayed on strongly, led line
jumped right, led, clear 3rd until 7th, hard ridden from 4 out, headed 2 out, left in lead at last, headed line
chased leaders, jumped right 12th, ridden after 4 out, led 2 out, 2 lengths clear when fell last
chased leader, ridden after 4 out, every chance next, kept on same pace from 2 out, left 2nd, hampered last
held up, headway after 14th, hit next, soon ridden, weakened 3 out
Nonrunner
Ebony Jack is the pick over San Marco, Southerndown and Midnight Gunner. With the capable Liam Heard in the saddle, this conditionals' only affair can go to Ebony Jack who battled his heart out to score at Fontwell in April, proving that he goes on faster ground in the process. He found 25-furlongs round stiff Towcester on soft going too much of a cross to bear next time, and it came as no surprise when the white flag was waved a long way from home. Back under much more suitable conditions, he can bounce back to form here. San Marco will also like the ground, and although he has not won for three years, is at least well handicapped as a result. Southerndown has won round here before but the veteran is hard to fancy on recent efforts, while Midnight Gunner is also no spring chicken and has to shoulder topweight. With that in mind, Ebony Jack is given the verdict.
Midnight Gunner 16-1 (11-0) Tracked leaders, weakened 5 out, 5th of 10, 14l behind Sharp Jack (11-12) at Uttoxeter 3m 2f hcp chs 0-110 (4) sft in May.
Rolfes Delight 9-2 (11-4) Held up towards rear, ridden 15th, one paced from 4 out, mistake 2 out, 4th of 7, 39l behind Just Reuben (9-9) at Wincanton 3m 1f hcp chs 0-100 (4) frm in Oct.
Satco's Deception (IRE) 9-1 (10-0) Always behind, 7th of 11, 34l behind Chabrimal Minster (11-4) at Cartmel 3m 6f hcp chs 0-125 (3) gd in May.
Ebony Jack (IRE) 7-1 (10-7) Led, headed 7th, weakened 10th, 5th of 11, 40l behind Forest Miller (11-4) at Towcester 3m hcp chs 0-100 (4) sft in May.
Southerndown (IRE) 13-2 (10-12) Mid-division, ridden 8th, moderate progress 4 out, 7th of 12, 24l behind Swings 'n Strings (10-7) at Chepstow 3m sll hcp chs 0-95 (5) gd in Apr.
San Marco (IRE) 11-4 (10-6) Led 1st, headed next, led again 3rd, headed 8th, weakened from 4 out, 5th of 6, 31l behind Grouse Moor (11-12) at Huntingdon 2m 4f hcp chs 0-100 (4) gs in May.
Like The Buzz (IRE) 16-1 (10-0) Mid-division, losing place when mistake 9th, blundered and unseated rider at the 10th in race won by Read All About It (10-9) at Towcester 3m hcp chs 0-95 (5) gd in May, 14 ran.
Gone Missing 4-7fav (12-0) Held up; hdwy 12; led on bit 2 out; v easy, won at Upcott Cross 3m ptp gd in May beating Big Brendan (12-5) by 10l, 4 ran.
