led, headed 4 out, soon ridden, weakened approaching 2 out
held up towards rear, headway 4th, challenged 5 out, led going well next, clear approaching 3 out, eased flat, very easily
towards rear, lost touch 5 out
tracked leader, hit 6th, ridden and outpaced approaching 4 out, stayed on from 2 out, no chance with winner
held up in rear, pushed along approaching 4 out, stayed on same pace
tracked leaders, lost place 5th, mistake next, soon no chance
Golden Alpha and The Bajan Bandit look to two to concentrate on here. The former, trained by Martin Pipe, has come back from a spell on the sidelines in good order this year with impressive wins at Chepstow and Wincanton to his name. Disappointing at Cheltenham and Aintree on his last two starts it could be that the eight-year-old is not entirely happy with racing on a fast surface. The Bajan Bandit lost his unbeaten record when 10th in the Royal & SunAlliance Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham. Given a break since by Len Lungo, the son of Commanche Run would be a popular winner for Scottish-based handler Len Lungo. There is little in the form book to recommend any of the other runners although Nicky Richards' debutante Shannon's Pride is bred to be useful and runs in the one Man colours of John Hales.
