led from 2nd, ridden and headed 2 out, no extra flat
tracked leaders, led 2 out, not fluent last, driven out
behind, outpaced from 7th
led to 2nd, chased leader until weakened approaching 3 out
towards rear, weakened from 6th
held up towards rear, weakened from 7th, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
held up, in 4th when blundered 3 out, no impression
held up mid-division, weakened 6th
tracked leaders, weakened 7th
held up in touch, saddle slipped, pulled up before 4th
Donald McCain's strike-rate here is terrible really considering that it used to be such a family favourite, however Khachaturian still gets the nod ahead of Your Amount and Latanier. The selection was second here in a big handicap at the National meeting and a repeat of that run would easily be enough to take this. He likes to get his own way in front and is more likely to be able to dominate in this field, so assuming that he is over his poor run at Ayr, a big run should be on the cards. Your Amount has 9lbs to find on official ratings as Alan King's gelding runs off level weights here, but he has shown that he is a progressive hurdler and as he only went down by a short-head last time at Ayr, compensation may not be too far away. Sun Quest needs to be watched in the betting, as this younger horse gets plenty of weight, whilst Latanier was well-fancied when last seen but needs to improve on what he has shown so far. Falpiase has claims but he evidently hasn't been the most straight-forward to train. At a price Iron Hague could go well will Timmy Murphy in the saddle, however it is Khachaturian who receives the vote.
Khachaturian (IRE) 16-1 (10-4) Prominent untill lost place 4th, behind and pulled up 4 out in race won by Border Castle (9-13) at Ayr 2m hcp hdl Grd 2 (1) gd in Apr, 16 ran.
Your Amount (IRE) 5-1 (11-8) Tracked leaders, close up approaching 3 out, led 2 out, headed near finish, 2nd of 8, shd behind Just Amazing (11-6) at Ayr 2m 4f cnd hcp hdl 0-125 (3) gs in Apr.
Carrickmines (IRE) 11-2 (10-7) Tracked leaders, ridden and weakened approaching 3 out, tailed off when, 7th of 8, well behind Major Malarkey (10-2) at Ludlow 2m 5f nov hcp hdl (3) gd in Feb.
Falpiase (IRE) 7-1 (10-10) Mid-division, headway to chase leaders approaching 3 out, led approaching and blundered last, soon headed, no extra towards finish, 3rd of 20, 3/4l behind Brave Rebellion (11-1) at Wetherby 2m 4f cnd nov hdl (4) gf in Apr '07.
Gershwinner (IRE) 50-1 (10-10) With leader, ridden over 4f out, weakened over 3f out, 12th of 14, well behind Diamond Harry (11-7) at Newbury 2m nhf (2) sft in Mar.
Iron Hague (IRE) 11-1 (10-7) Held up in touch, led 6th, headed 2 out, one pace, 3rd of 11, 11l behind Abstract Art (11-0) at Bangor 2m 1f nov hdl (4) gs in Apr.
Latanier (FR) 7-4fav (11-0) Led, mistake 8th and 3 out, ridden and headed when hit 2 out, weakened, 3rd of 13, 15l behind Brenin Cwmtudu (11-0) at Wincanton 2m 6f mdn hdl (4) gs in Apr.
Murphys Beau (IRE) 12-1 (10-7) Mid-division, behind from 9th, 8th of 15, 47l behind Bluegun (10-7) at Uttoxeter 2m 4f mdn hdl (4) sft in Apr.
Hose Thorns (IRE) 40-1 (10-7) Always behind, 9th of 11, well behind Abstract Art (11-0) at Bangor 2m 1f nov hdl (4) gs in Apr.
Sun Quest 13-2 (10-9) Held up, headway approaching 3 out, challenged and not fluent 2 out, every chance when hit last, no extra, 2nd of 16, 1 1/2l behind Prime Contender (11-11) at Doncaster 2m clm hdl (5) gd in Feb.
