keen tracked winner after 2f, ridden over 2f out, kept on same pace
tracked leaders, pushed along 3f out, ridden to chase winner briefly over 1f out, weakened tamely final furlong
in touch, ridden and outpaced 4f out, headway entering final furlong, no threat to winner
led early, close up, ridden over 3f out, plugged on same pace
made most, shaken up and quickened clear over 1f out, comfortable
in touch in rear, ridden and outpaced over 3f out
William Haggas trained last year's winner and WONDER LAISH (NAP) may prove good enough. Placed in soft ground on his debut, he will not mind if the forecast rain arrives and went close at Windsor on his recent comeback. Royal History is another to consider having been sent off favourite for his racecourse debut at Kempton and finding only one too good. Hurdles winner Smart Motive finished ahead of Grey Gem when runner-up on the all-weather last time but the remainder look up against it.
Grey Gem (IRE) 33-1 (9-12) Slowly into stride, outpaced and always towards rear, 9th of 11, 34l behind Ijmaaly (9-0) at Lingfield 7f mdn stks (5) gd.
Royal History 9-4fav (10-0) Held up in touch on inside, headway into 3rd over 2f out, went 2nd final furlong, one pace and no impression on winner, 2nd of 8, 3 1/2l behind Al Rifai (8-9) at Kempton 1m 4f mdn stks (5) pol in Apr.
Smart Motive 9-1 (9-13) Tracked leader, ridden to challenge over 2f out, stayed on same pace final furlong, 2nd of 4, 4l behind Altaayil (9-12) at Wolverhampton 1m 4f mdn stks (5) in Apr.
Let's Confer 66-1 (8-4) Keen mid-division, headway on outer to track leaders 6f out, weakened 3f out, 10th of 11, 37l behind Valid Reason (9-7) at Lingfield 2m hacp 0-70 (5) pol in Apr.
Wonder Laish 5-6fav (8-11) Took keen hold tracking leader, led 8f out, ridden over 1f out, kept on under pressure until headed and not pace of winner close home, 2nd of 9, nk behind Richard of Yorke (8-11) at Windsor 1m 2f mdn stks (5) gd in Apr.
Willow Jubilee 66-1 (8-0) Held up in mid-division, clipped heels and stumbled badly over 7f out, soon lost place and in rear, virtually pulled up final 4f, tailed off, last of 10, well behind Harley Rebel (8-11) at Kempton 1m 3f hcp 0-60 (6) pol in Apr.