made all, soon clear, ridden between last 2, 3 lengths clear last, stayed on well flat
held up in 4th, tracked leading pair 4th, went 2nd after 3 out, headway when mistake next, soon ridden, 3 lengths down last, kept on flat, always held
chased leading pair to 3rd, dropped to rear 3 out, no chance after, tailed off
tracked clear leader (winner) to 3rd, ridden after 2 out, kept on same pace in clear 3rd, no chance with front pair
held up 5th and last, struggling 3 out, no chance with leaders, tailed off
An interesting seller as Humbel Ben would be a strong consideration if finding the form that enabled him to score last August before running a fine second to the talented Silver Roque at Bangor in October. However, he's been pulled up the last twice so current wellbeing is uncertain but his yard are renowned for a tilt at the ring so watch if the money comes. In contrast Piment D'Estruval is consistency personified and could well win this by default if simply running his race. The form of the Vaughan yard is a major concern though and a chance is taken with KAOLAK. He has gone off the boil of late with modest Flat efforts but a Musselburgh win back on New Year's Day 2012 revealed a decent level of ability over timber. He gets the nod here in the hope some of that talent remains.
Kaolak (USA) 13-2 (11-5) Chased clear leader, dropped to 4th when blundered badly and unseated rider 5th, in a race won by Dontpaytheferryman (11-5) at Musselburgh 2m hcp hdl 0-135 (3) gd in Feb '12, 6 ran.
Piment D'estruval (FR) 11-1 (11-12) Held up in rear, chased leaders under pressure 4 out, left 3rd 2 out, ridden and kept on flat, not reach front pair, 3rd of 6, 3 1/2l behind Dineur (11-7) at Ffos Las 2m hcp chs 0-115 (4) gd in May.
Just Maddie 50-1 (9-12) Mid-division, blundered badly 13th, soon pulled up, in a race won by Borolee (10-8) at Kelso 2m 7f Selling Handicap Chase (0-95) (5yo+) (5) gd in May, 14 ran.
Seaquel 10-3 (10-5) Led until 3rd, left in lead next, headed 2 out, driven in close 3rd when mistake, stumbled and unseated rider last, in a race won by Molon Labe (11-5) at Towcester 2m sll hdl (4-8yo) (5) gd in May, 8 ran.
Dansili Dutch (IRE) 16-1 (10-0) Took keen hold, held up towards rear, unseated rider 2nd, in a race won by Golden Acorn (10-6) at Stratford 2m mrs nov sll hdl (5) gs in May, 11 ran.
Humbel Ben (IRE) 14-1 (10-13) In rear, pushed along and weakened before 5th, soon pulled up, in a race won by Rime Avec Gentil (10-8) at Bangor 2m 1f hcp hdl 0-120 (4) gd in May, 5 ran.
