held up in rear, headway to chase leaders over 3f out, no impression leaders when hung left over 1f out
tracked leader, joined winner 8f out, driven 4f out, weakening when hung badly left inside final 2f
towards rear, pushed along 7f out, headway and kept on final 2f but never dangerous
close up, effort to chase winner over 3f out to over 2f out, weakened quickly
tracked leaders, led 8f out, driven 2f out, kept on under pressure final furlong
close up, chased winner over 2f out, soon hung right under pressure, one pace
led to 8f out, weakened rapidly, soon tailed off
prominent, pushed along halfway, weakened over 3f out
in touch, went prominent 8f out, outpaced over 3f out, hard ridden and headway 2f out, kept on under pressure final furlong
The market will no doubt prove a guide here, and any support for Earl Of Forestry would be interesting, but a chance is taken with Craven, while Argent Ou Or, and Sydney are to be noted as well. With the three that have seen the racecourse not showing much to date, it is odds-on that one of the newcomers will prevail, but with Pipe, Nicholls and Henderson all represented, it is hard to be confident about picking the right one, so bets should be kept to a minimum. Argent Ou Or is a brother to three winning jumpers in France, while Earl Of Forestry does not stand out from the crowd on breeding. Craven's stable has had a dismal season in the main, despite Trabolgan's Cheltenham success, but it may pay to overlook that fact here, as a look at Craven's pedigree reveals that he is related to Irish bumper winner Glenbar, and decent hurdler Legendsofthefall, while the dam is related high-class hurdler Dondieu. The son of Accordion is owned by Sir Robert Ogden and has the potential to make a name for himself. He is not highly-tried and could well pop in first time. Sydney meanwhile is from the same family as Buck House and is owned by Malcolm Denmark, and with experience in the Irish point-to-point field, is another to note. As stated, watch the market, but Craven is a tentative selection in the finale.
Danbury (FR) Lost World gelding, half-brother to the useful jumper Reiziger.
Lord Leonardo (IRE) Norwich gelding, half-brother to several winning jumpers including the very useful Sir Rembrandt.
Sydney (IRE) Saddlers' Hall gelding out of an unraced mare.
Westcraft (IRE) 20-1 Tracked leaders, ridden and weakened over 5f out, 14th of 16, well behind Call Oscar at Stratford 2m mdn nhf (H) sft in Mar.
Argent Ou Or (FR) Mansonnien gelding, brother to winning hurdler Belle Manson and winning chaser Bielo Viesa.
Earl of Forestry (GER) Dream For Future gelding out of an unraced mare.
Maarees 8-1 Close up, ridden and weakened over 3f out, 4th of 9, 23l behind Makeabreak at Fakenham 2m mrs nhf (H) gd in Mar.
Craven (IRE) Accordion gelding, half-brother to winning jumper Gimme Shelter.
