chased leaders, hit 7th, weakened next, tailed off when pulled up
made all, ridden and under pressure 2 out, all out
mid-division, headway approaching 4 out, 1 length down in 4th and staying on when hit and unseated rider
chased leaders, ridden and every chance 2 out, outpaced from next
behind, pushed along and outpaced approaching 6th, ridden and headway after 3 out, kept on from last
always behind, tailed off when pulled up
behind, driven along 7th, headway next, stayed on from last
always behind, tailed off when pulled up
held up, headway when hit 5th, soon reminders, quickly weakened and pulled up
held up, slightly hampered 8th, headway after 3 out, every chance next, soon ridden, stayed on towards finish
chased leaders, lost place 6th
tracked leaders, hit 7th, every chance approaching 2 out, soon weakened
chased leaders and took keen hold, hampered on bend after 3 out, ridden and weakening when pulled up
in touch until weakened 7th, tailed off when pulled up
Another puzzler for punters with Frankincense Magic Bengie and Francken all capable of going close, however we will side with Double Royal. John O'Shea's gelding has shown plenty of promise on his two outings in this country following his move from the Emerald Isle. He wasn't beaten far on the all-weather at Wolverhampton before finishing an excellent second to Kathie's Pet in a similar race to this at Chepstow. There should be plenty of improvement to come and he looks to have very strong claims. Francken, Frankincense and Flemming all met here earlier this month. Flemming came out on top that day, but the other two weren't beaten far and are much better off at the weights. Francken should come out best of the trio on this occasion. Magic Bengie was last seen out a year ago when landing a two mile seller here, if fit he is another that could be vying for some place money. So a very tough race to call, but Double Royal is entitled to progress and just edges the verdict.
Frankincense (IRE) 15-2 With leaders, led 3rd, headed briefly 5th, ridden and headed approaching 2 out, weakened after last, 5th of 16, 4l behind Flemming at Catterick 2m 3f cnd sll hcp hdl (G) gs in Feb.
Wally Wonder (IRE) 13-2 In touch, ridden 4 out, mistake 2 out, soon weakened, 5th of 15, 17l behind Jayed at Fakenham 2m sll hcp hdl 0-90 (G) gd in Feb.
Double Royal (IRE) 10-1 Held up towards rear, headway approaching 4 out, led after 3 out until headed approaching last, soon one pace, 2nd of 17, 4l behind Kathies Pet at Chepstow 2m cnd sll hcp hdl (G) gs in Feb.
Star Trooper (IRE) 9-2 Held up in touch, chased leader after 2nd, pushed along approaching 3 out, soon ridden and weakened, 4th of 6, 29l behind Time Marches On at Newcastle 2m sll hcp hdl 0-95 (G) hvy in Feb.
Francken (ITY) 9-4fav Chased leaders, ridden after 3 out, 5 lengths down in 4th and held when unseated rider 2 out unseated rider 2 out in race won by Time Marches On at Newcastle 2m sll hcp hdl 0-95 (G) hvy in Feb, 6 ran.
Lady Stratagem 40-1 Chased leaders approaching 4th, ridden approaching 3 out, quickly weakened, 19th of 20, well behind Errol at Doncaster 2m cnd hcp hdl 0-100 (F) gd in Jan.
Magic Bengie 66-1 Made virtually all, ridden approaching 2 out, stayed on strongly, won at Catterick 2m sll hcp hdl 0-90 (G) gd in Jan '04 beating In Good Faith by 3/4l, 17 ran.
Flemming (USA) 11-2 Chased leader, until 2nd, ridden and weakened after 4 out, 5th of 6, 39l behind Time Marches On at Newcastle 2m sll hcp hdl 0-95 (G) hvy in Feb.
