led 2nd, headed 4 out, every chance when blundered badly next, one pace after
prominent, blundered 7th, hit 10th, outpaced 14th
chased leaders, effort approaching 3 out, one pace next
chased leaders, mistake and unseated rider 8th
held up, headway half way to chase leaders, led 4 out, drew clear between last 2
mid-division, outpaced 4 out,
mid-division, outpaced 4 out
mistakes towards rear, never dangerous
prominent to 14th, no danger after
led to 2nd, remained prominent, outpaced 4 out, one pace next
always behind
always behind, tailed off and pulled before 3 out
towards rear, never dangerous
always behind, tailed off and pulled up before 14th
towards rear, well beaten when fell 3 out
Vital Spark gets a narrow vote over Thorsgill, with Benrajah and Little Brown Bear two more to consider in the finale. Vital Spark is relatively lightly raced in this sphere, and did nothing wrong when scoring over a similar trip at Market Rasen in April. He might not have beaten much, but is open to more improvement, and can follow up here with conditions to suit. Thorsgill made every yard of the running to prevail over the course-and-distance last time and should give another good account today despite his penalty. Benrajah was considered good enough to contest the big hunter chase at Aintree last month, but got no further than the third. If suitably recovered then he can take a hand in proceedings. Little Brown Bear has been a prolific winner between the flags, and although a bit long in the tooth now, could prove troublesome. However, Vital Spark has more scope than most, and is the one to be on.
Thorsgill 7-2 (11-13) Made all, ridden approaching last, stayed on strongly, won at Hexham 3m 1f mdn hts chs (6) gf in Apr beating Granoski Gala (11-11) by 4l, 8 ran.
Vital Spark 7-1 (11-9) Tracked leaders, headway to lead 12th, stayed on from 3 out, ridden out flat, won at Market Rasen 3m 1f hts chs (6) gf in Apr beating Dannymolone (12-0) by 4l, 7 ran.
Benrajah (IRE) 66-1 (12-0) Towards rear when fell at the 3rd in race won by Scots Grey (12-0) at Aintree 2m 5f hts chs (2) gd in Apr, 27 ran.
Bobby Buttons 7-4jt-fav (12-5) Led to 11 & 14 til hdd aft 2 out; wknd app last, 2nd of 5, 8l behind Sikander A Azam (12-5) at Charm Park 3m ptp gf in Apr.
Coomakista 6-1 (11-9) Mid-division, chased leaders 6th, outpaced from 3 out, 5th of 10, 35l behind Natiain (11-11) at Kelso 3m 1f hts chs (5) gs in Apr.
Harry Hooly 2-1 (12-0) Chsd ldrs til outpcd 10; sn lost tch, 3rd of 4, 38l behind Scout Leader (12-0) at Friars Haugh 3m ptp gd in Mar.
Jupiter's Fancy 16-1 (11-7) Towards rear, weakened halfway, trailed off when pulled up at the 14th in race won by Natiain (12-2) at Kelso 3m 1f hts chs (4) gf in Apr, 10 ran.
Little Brown Bear (IRE) 5-4fav (11-7) Led to 12; led app 16; comf, won at Tabley 3m ptp gd in Apr beating Redskin Raider (11-7) by 12l, 8 ran.
