French Envoy is taken to get the better of Hibernian, Inishturk and Milan Deux Mille in the opening event. Ian Williams won this race 12 months ago with Mister Mustard, and in French Envoy he has another leading candidate. The Sir Robert Ogden-owned seven-year-old has been runner-up twice from his three starts this term, most recently at Market Rasen behind Bougoure, with Inishturk well held in sixth. That was a much better performance than the time before over today's course-and-distance when he was a disappointing favourite, finishing seventh of the 16 runners. He may well have suffered the dreaded 'bounce' effect then, having earlier chased home the useful Boychuk after an 18-month lay off, and he is fancied to turn the tables on Hibernian who was ahead of him in second the time before last. Oliver Sherwood's charge is sure to make his presence felt again though, and should be involved for a place at least. Milan Deux Mille showed promise in bumpers but got no further than the second on his hurdles bow at Exeter a fortnight ago. He should not be ruled out completely, but for the winner we return to French Envoy.
Bucks 16-1 (11-2) Mid-division, ridden 3 out, soon weakened, 5th of 13, 38l behind Anemix (10-11) at Taunton 2m 1f mdn hdl (4) gs in Feb.
Captain's Legacy 25-1 (10-5) Not jump well in rear, struggling 6th, tailed off next and pulled up 3 out in race won by Magnifico (11-5) at Folkestone 2m 6f nov hdl (4) hvy in Jan, 6 ran.
Crystal Hollow 100-1 (11-4) Prominent, ridden before 6th, struggling next and soon tailed off and pulled up at the last in race won by Saltango (11-8) at Fontwell 2m 6f nov hdl (4) hvy in Feb, 15 ran.
French Envoy (FR) 5-2 (11-4) In touch, chased winner from 3 out, stayed on from last, no impression, 2nd of 14, 7l behind Bougoure (11-10) at Market Rasen 2m 3f nh nov hdl (3) gd in Feb.
Froghole Flyer 100-1 (11-0) Took keen hold, in touch, ridden after 3 out, soon beaten, 6th of 10, 32l behind Manners (11-0) at Sandown 2m nh nov hdl (3) sft in Feb.
Future To Future (IRE) 50-1 (9-0) Led for 3f, stayed close up, ridden over 6f out, weakened quickly, tailed off, last of 14, well behind Most-Saucy (9-4) at Lingfield 2m hcp (4) pol in Sept '04 (Flat).
Hibernian (IRE) 9-4 (11-3) Chased leaders, hit 5th, ridden and one pace from 3 out, 3rd of 9, 7l behind Call Oscar (11-3) at Bangor 2m 1f nh nov hdl (4) gd in Feb.
Historic Place (USA) 8-1 (11-6) In touch, weakened before 3 out, tailed off when blundered last, 8th of 12, well behind Doc Row (11-6) at Folkestone 2m 6f nov hdl (4) gs in Jan.
Inishturk (IRE) 40-1 (11-4) Held up towards rear, headway 2nd, ridden to chase leaders approaching 3 out, weakened approaching 2 out, 4th of 13, 21l behind Flying Falcon (11-4) at Exeter 2m 1f nh mdn hdl (4) sft in Feb.
La Cuenta (IRE) 5-1 (11-4) Prominent, ridden 3f out, weakened 2f out, 12th of 17, 40l behind Pepporoni Pete (11-4) at Wincanton 2m nhf (H) gd in Dec.
Nearly A Bay Nearly A Hand mare, half-sister to fair 2m hurdler/chaser Miami Splash.
Greenacre Legend 66-1 (10-7) Took keen hold in touch, ridden 5th, weakened under pressure before 3 out, 6th of 11, 38l behind Heathcote (11-5) at Plumpton 2m 4yo nov hdl (3) gs in Feb.
Kanpai (IRE) 5-1 (10-9) In touch, chased winner after 6th, ridden after 3 out, kept on same pace, 3rd of 13, 6l behind Grasp (10-9) at Fontwell 2m 2f mdn hdl (5) hvy in Feb.
Milan Deux Mille (FR) 2-1fav (10-2) Led after 1st until went badly left and unseated rider at the 2nd in race won by Flying Falcon (11-4) at Exeter 2m 1f nh mdn hdl (4) sft in Feb, 13 ran.
Opera Villevert (FR) 66-1 (10-7) In touch until weakened approaching 3 out, tailed off and pulled up 2 out in race won by Blazing Bailey (10-12) at Fontwell 2m 2f 4yo nov hdl (4) sft in Jan, 13 ran.
Silber Mond 20-1 (9-0) In touch, driven to challenge over 3f out, weakened over 1f out, 10th of 16, 12l behind Quizzene (9-0) at Yarmouth 1m 2f 2yo mdn (D3) sft in Nov '04 (Flat).
