in touch, ridden 5th, weakened 2 out
held up in rear, short lived effort 5th
mid-division, ridden 5th, soon weakened, behind when pulled up 2 out
towards rear, headway 5th, ridden to lead approaching 2 out, driven out
towards rear, weakened after 5th
led to 1st, behind from 4th, pulled up next
held up, some headway 5th, ridden 3 out, soon weakened
in rear, lost touch 4th, behind when pulled up before 2 out
tracked leaders, ridden 5th, weakened next
held up mid-division, headway to track leader 3rd, ridden to chase 3 out, one pace
held up mid-division, headway 3rd, ridden when mistake 2 out, soon one pace
always towards rear, behind when pulled up before 2 out
held up in rear, headway approaching 5th, ridden to chase leaders 2 out, weakened last
mid-division, headway 3rd, weakened 5th, tailed off when pulled up after 3 out
led 1st, headed appraoching 2 out and weakened
Nonrunner
The most difficult race on the card to assess but McBain has earned top-weight and can beat Latitude and Cool Spice. The Phillip Hobbs trained six-year-old wasn't beaten far by Nonantais at Ludlow last time, that run followed an impressive hurdle victory at Taunton. With the very capable jockey claiming five pounds this afternoon he looks on a very good mark and can take first prize. Cool Spice is a stable companion of the selection and is ridden by stable jockey Richard Johnson. He will improve for his recent effort and should be watched closely in the betting. Latitude has been running well over fences and if this drop in trip isn't a problem he should go well over the smaller obstacles this afternoon. Prince Of Persia looks the pick of the others, but McBain is class act here and gets our vote.
McBain (USA) 15-2 (10-9) Held up, headway 8th, ridden 3 out, weakened next, 5th of 18, 13l behind Nonantais (10-3) at Uttoxeter 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-140 (B) sft in Apr.
My Last Bean (IRE) 25-1 (11-2) Held up, headway and mistake 5th, ridden after 3f out, one pace flat, 3rd of 8, 1 1/2l behind Bogus Dreams (10-8) at Bangor 2m 1f hcp hdl 0-125 (D) gs in Apr.
Prince of Persia 16-1 (11-7) Mid-division, headway approaching 7th, led and mistake 3 out, jumped right last 2, driven out, won at Worcester 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-115 (D) gs in Apr beating Mylo (11-10) by 1 1/2l, 14 ran.
Fireball Macnamara (IRE) 200-1 (10-0) Chased leaders to 6th, soon behind, 11th of 18, 26l behind Definate Spectacle (10-1) at Aintree 2m lst hcp hdl (A) gs in Apr.
Achilles Wings (USA) 50-1 (10-8) In touch, headway approaching 3 out, switched left 2 out, kept on to go 2nd after last, no chance with winner, 2nd of 10, 6l behind Commercial Flyer (11-5) at Exeter 2m 3f hcp hdl 0-125 (D) gd in Apr.
Jockser (IRE) 12-1 (10-5) Mid-division, headway after 6th, ridden to chase leaders 3 out, stayed on from 2 out, took 2nd final furlong, 2nd of 13, 2l behind The Persuader (11-7) at Stratford 2m 3f hcp hdl 0-120 (D) gf in Apr.
Kildee Lass 10-3 (10-4) Behind, left poor 3rd 4 out, weakened 2 out, 3rd of 6, 18l behind Yes Sir (11-12) at Chepstow 2m hcp hdl 0-125 (D) hvy in Mar.
Idiome (FR) 9-2 (11-0) Mid-division, headway approaching 4 out, stayed on from 2 out, 3rd of 10, 20l behind Mr Dinglawi (10-11) at Chepstow 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-125 (D) sft in Mar.
