led, pushed along and headed 3 out, looked well held in 2nd before last, soon ridden and rallied to regain lead close home
tracked leader, led 3 out, clear before last, in command run-in when quickly weakened and caught close home
chased leading pair, beaten before 3 out
Billfromthebar, effective between 2m and 3m, should continue to be a decent money-spinner for the McCain team and earn his keep through the summer months. He landed a typical Worcester summer hurdle last time whilst Be My Deputy racked up an early spring hat-trick for Richard Guest over fences before moving to the Russell operation in May. He kicked off with a useful chasing third to Strobe here over 2m5f and now reverts to timber and is respected. However, OTTO THE GREAT houses the strongest from on offer after accounting for No Loose Change at Newton Abbot latest. The form isn't overly substantial but he's also won over 3m over fences and sets a decent standard for the others to aim at, especially as champion trainer, Nicky Henderson, is an infrequent visitor here.
Billfromthebar (IRE) 9-4 (11-0) Led 2nd, clear 2 out, eased final 100 yards, won at Worcester 2m 7f mdn hdl (5) gf beating Prime Location (11-0) by 7l, 8 ran.
Otto The Great (FR) 11-8 (10-12) Tracked leader, led 2nd, narrowly headed before next, pushed along after 3 out, led 2 out, soon clear, easily, won at Newton Abbot 2m 6f nh nov hdl (4) gf in Jun beating No Loose Change (10-12) by 5l, 7 ran.
Be My Deputy (IRE) 7-2fav (11-11) Led until 4th, led 6th, headed next, led again 8th, headed 4 out, still every chance when mistake last, one pace, 3rd of 11, 6l behind Strobe (10-0) at Perth 2m 4f hcp chs 0-120 (4) gd.
Merry Minster 20-1 (10-4) Always behind, pulled up before last, in a race won by Big Sound (10-13) at Hexham 3m hcp hdl 0-110 (4) sft in Jun, 7 ran.
