keen, mid-division, headway7th, led after 9th, soon clear, unchallenged
mid-division, blundered 5th, soon weakened
always behind, blundered 6th, tailed off when pulled up before 9th
always behind, tailed off when pulled up before 10th
chased leaders to approaching 6th, tailed off when pulled up before 10th
led to 8th, weakened 10th, tailed off when pulled up before 3 out
in touch to 6th, soon behind
mid-division, ridden 9th, soon weakened, took poor 3rd close home
towards rear, headway 6th, weakened after 9th
behind, kept on from 3 out, went 2nd approaching last, no chance with winner
jumped left, always behind, hit 6th, tailed off when pulled up before 9th
always towards rear
mid-division, headway 5th, chased winner 10th until weakened approaching 2 out
prominent to 7th, tailed off when pulled up before 9th
prominent, led 8th, mistake 9th, soon headed, weakened next
If he can jump round here then Lord Nellerie looks the one to be on, but it is a big if and the likes of Mondial Jack, Papua and Deep King are others to consider in a biggish field. Lord Nellerie is back over arguably his optimum trip but as come a cropper on his las two starts, so confidence won't be too high. He was well clear when tipping up last time and had previously run well behind recent winner Red Brook Lad at Ludlow, so if he stands up here he looks to be the obvious choice. Mondial Jack and Papua have both been useful under rules in their time. The former, once a Martin Pipe inmate, has not won for two years, but does act on fast ground and can't be ruled out, while Papua wouldn't really want it this quick to be at his best and has a bit to prove after a couple of lacklustre efforts. Deep King may be the best alternative for those wishing to avoid the jolly and his form on decent ground gives him every chance if the topweight doesn't jump round. But Lord Nellerie is a genuine sort and we give him one more chance here.
Lord Nellerie (FR) 7-1 (11-8) Led, blundered 6th, 3 lengths clear when fell at the 9th in race won by Spring Margot (12-4) at Stratford 2m 7f hts chs (5) gd in Apr, 14 ran.
Deep King (IRE) 18-1 (11-2) Led to 4th, prominent, blundered badly, saddle slipped 12th and pulled up 3 out in race won by Enitsag (11-11) at Ludlow 2m 4f hts chs (5) gf in Apr, 18 ran.
Ivanoph (FR) 12-1 (11-0) 4th of 5, 23l behind Strong Tartan (11-0) at Ystradowen 3m ptp gd in Apr.
Mondial Jack (FR) 14-1 (11-4) Chased leaders, mistake 5th, weakened 8th, 5th of 6, well behind Young Lorcan (10-13) at Leicester 2m 4f hcp chs 0-110 (4) hvy in Mar.
Newick Park 5-1 (11-7) pulled up 2 out in race won by Carryonharry (11-7) at Catsfield 3m ptp gd in Apr, 6 ran.
Nominate (GER) 25-1 (11-11) Held up, mistake 10th, headway after 3 out, kept on under pressure from 2 out, never reached leaders, 3rd of 10, 7l behind My Best Buddy (11-11) at Towcester 2m 3f mdn hts chs (6) gd in Apr.
Rommel 3-1 (12-0) Held up; hdwy 10; chsd wnr 2 out; no imp, 2nd of 6, 2l behind Alheri (12-0) at Lockinge 3m ptp gd in Apr.
Tuba (IRE) 5-2jt-fav (12-7) 2nd of 7, 3/4l behind Khatani (12-0) at Ystradowen 3m ptp gd in Apr.
