An awful race from a betting perspective and only a small stakes investment in Pop Gun is recommended; Young Owen and Shalati Princess are others to place on the shortlist, while support for the unexposed Darn Him would be interesting. The last named is well related and, as this is only his third career start, it would not be surprising if he posted an improved display. However, the gelding would not be in this grade if Nigel Twiston-Davies thought he was a world-beater and a cautious stance would be advisable before the betting market starts to throw up its clues. Shalati Princess has plenty of experience and should handle the conditions. However, she has also had plenty of chances and as she is 0-from 28, her record tells the story about her reliability in a finish. Young Owen has a chance on these terms and can be expected to be sharper for his reappearance a fortnight ago. His trainer, John Spearing, has enjoyed a good spell, so a big run cannot be ruled out. Nevertheless, Pop Gun just edges the verdict as a more consistent runner. The Kate Waldron-trained gelding is effective in this grade and, as his recent profile suggests he still has the enthusiasm to keep on trying to the line, the son of Pharly gets the nomination in the seller
Arthurs Dream (IRE) 14-1 (11-2) Took keen hold, mistake 1st, held up, headway approaching 5th, weakened before 3 out, tailed off, 5th of 11, well behind Saphire Night (10-9) at Uttoxeter 2m nov sll hdl (5) hvy in Feb.
A Shot To Save (IRE) 5-2fav (11-2) Led, driven along and disputed lead 2f out, ridden and headed over 1f out, no extra inside final furlong, 5th of 22, 3 1/2l behind Alpha Rhythm (11-2) at Naas 2m 4yo nhf gd in Jul '02.
Baker of Oz 33-1 (9-9) Tracked leader early, lost place after 5th, behind from 6th, 9th of 12, well behind Lady Maranzi (11-7) at Taunton 2m 3f sll hcp hdl 0-95 (5) sft.
Boozin Boris (IRE) 4-1 (11-7) Mists; a bhnd; t.o & pulled up in race won by Rafteryshill (12-0) at Cold Harbour 2m 4f ptp frm in Apr, 8 ran.
Darn Him (IRE) 5-1 (10-11) Prominent, pushed along 6f out, weakened over 3f out, 6th of 10, 30l behind Seismic Shift (11-2) at Ludlow 2m mdn nhf (5) gd in Nov.
Internationalguest (IRE) 25-1 (12-0) (cp) (tt) in tch to 10; t.o & pulled up in race won by Twenty Degrees (12-7) at Chaddesley Corb' 3m ptp gd in Feb, 18 ran.
Kilrossanty (IRE) 18-1 (10-11) Raced keen in touch, headway 4th, weakened after 3 out, 6th of 13, well behind Milton Des Bieffes (11-5) at Warwick 2m 3f nov hcp hdl 0-90 (5) hvy in Dec.
Line Drawing 25-1 (11-11) Towards rear, headway over 2f out, 8th early straight, kept on, 7th of 18, 9l behind Born For Glory (10-11) at Galway 1m 4f mdn stk gd in Aug (Flat).
Master Ellis (IRE) 33-1 (10-11) Towards rear, headway after 4th, tracked winner next, ridden and mistake 2 out, soon weakened, 4th of 17, 6l behind Temper Lad (11-2) at Towcester 2m sll hcp hdl 0-90 (5) hvy in Feb.
Pop Gun 10-1 (10-13) Prominent, led 3rd to 6th, led again after 7th, headed 3 out, weakened approaching 2 out, 3rd of 11, 24l behind Saphire Night (10-9) at Uttoxeter 2m nov sll hdl (5) hvy in Feb.
Travello (GER) 100-1 (10-1) Chased winner until approaching 2nd, not fluent 4th, ridden 7th, weakened after 8th, blundered 9th and pulled up 4 out in race won by Jarro (10-11) at Stratford 2m 1f hcp chs 0-115 (4) sft in Oct, 9 ran.
Young Owen 25-1 (11-6) Led and keen, headed 3 out, weakened quickly approaching 2 out, beaten when pulled up 2 out in race won by Temper Lad (11-2) at Towcester 2m sll hcp hdl 0-90 (5) hvy in Feb, 17 ran.
Hypark (IRE) 16-1 (10-6) Chased leaders, ridden over 4f out, one pace after, 4th of 7, 21l behind Flying Spur (11-3) at N Abbot 2m 1f nhf (H) gf in Aug '05.
Shalati Princess 17-2 (10-8) With leader, led 3 out, ridden when hit 2 out and weakened, 3rd of 17, 4l behind Temper Lad (11-2) at Towcester 2m sll hcp hdl 0-90 (5) hvy in Feb.
Bathwick Rox (IRE) 10-1 (11-4) Held up, mistake 1st, 3rd and pulled up at the 4th in race won by Queen Tara (10-4) at Fakenham 2m sll hcp hdl 0-90 (5) gs in Feb, 14 ran.
Galibard (IRE) 200-1 (10-12) With leader, jumped slowly 2nd, ridden after next, weakened before 4th, tailed off, last of 9, well behind Cheveley Flyer (11-5) at Warwick 2m 3yo nov hdl (4) gd in Oct.
