led until 1st, shaken up briefly 4th, led before 7th, not fluent 3 out, edged left flat, headed narrowly towards finish, just held
chased leaders, challenged 3rd, outpaced 14th, not fluent and weakened 3 out
led 1st until 4th, led after 6th, soon headed, outpaced after 3 out, weakened next, went right last
in rear, some deliberate jumps, behind 6th, tried to close when awkward 12th, soon lost touch again
chased leaders, challenged on outside 3rd, led 4th, headed after 6th, stayed handy, switched right before last, led narrowly towards finish, just held on
NonRunner
PORT MELON (NAP) was a useful hurdler and chaser for Paul Nicholls and made a successful debut for his enthusiastic owner/rider when always doing enough to oblige at Kempton just over a fortnight ago. He retains a decent level of ability and should have too much class for these rivals, especially tackling optimum conditions. Bene Regina should be noted in the market as she's been performing well between the flags but improvement is required if she's to overcome the selection, especially on Rules debut. The remainder have been displaying mixed levels of form but Letbeso and Royalraise would be next best if bringing their A game to the table.
Port Melon (IRE) 5-4fav (11-10) Made most, headed briefly 12th, joined 2 out, pressed last, found extra run-in, won at Kempton 2m 4f (5) gd in Apr beating Treat Yourself (12-0) by 1l, 8 ran.
High Kite (IRE) 11-10 (12-0) A.p; ev ch 4 out; one pce 2 out, 2nd of 4, 4l behind Toby Lerone (12-0) at Edgcote 3m sft in Apr.
Letbeso (IRE) 7-4 (12-0) (cp) prsd wnr 11-15; one pce, 2nd of 3, 8l behind Midnight Bliss (11-11) at Northaw 3m gs in May.
Right Of Reply (IRE) 15-2 (12-0) Behind, not fluent 6th, headway 11th, 3rd and no impression 2 out, weakened into 4th last, 4th of 13, 22l behind Barrakilla (12-0) at Bangor 2m 4f (6) hvy in Feb.
Royalraise (IRE) 11-2 (11-12) Mid-division, tracked leaders after 9th, led narrowly 3 out, ridden and headed last, no extra in 3rd flat, 3rd of 9, 7 3/4l behind Galway Jack (12-6) at Southwell 2m 4f (6) gd in Apr.
Sentimentaljourney (IRE) 33-1 (12-1) Held up behind, blundered and saddle slipped 12th, pulled up soon after, at Cheltenham 3m 2f (2) gd in May.
Bene Regina (IRE) 4-5fav (11-7) Went 2nd 7-13; one pce 3 out, 3rd of 5, 8l behind Our Milly Acres (11-7) at Tabley 3m gs in Apr.
