made all, soon clear, hit 2nd, came back to field 5th, not fluent 2 out, drew clear from last, eased towards finish
mid-division, headway 5th, not fluent next, chased winner 3 out, 2 lengths down and ridden when blundered last, soon beaten and hung left
mid-division, headway 5th, ridden after 2 out, one pace and no impression
chased winner until 5th, weakened next, tailed off
mid-division, not fluent 5th, behind from next
tracked leaders, chased winner 5th until ridden 3 out, weakened after 2 out
mid-division, struggling after 6th
held up, not fluent 1st, headway after 6th, weakened 3 out
pulled hard, held up, 6th and no chance when fell 2 out
held up and behind, headway after 6th, weakened 3 out
With the Gary Moore team in good form, we look to Mon Michel to do the business in the opener, with Danehill Willy, Habanero and Rajeh seen as the main dangers. Mon Michel just had to be pushed out to score at Fontwell last time, and although the margin of victory was only a neck, he left the impression that there was more to come, now that he has ended a frustrating run of seconditis. Although having to shoulder a penalty, he makes most appeal to see off the challenge of Wincanton winner Danehill Willy, from the back-to-form yard of Evan Williams. Habanero was fancied at Stratford last time but was let down by his jumping when it mattered, while Rajeh hung left on the run-in when scoring at Market Rasen. Weet Yer Tern needs to step up a gear to figure, but put in a pleasing effort when second on his timber bow at Towcester recently, and should pick up a small race at least in time. For the winner we return to Mon Michel to add to the Moore family's recent haul.
Danehill Willy (IRE) 9-2 (11-0) Led until 3 out, rallied approaching last, ran on to lead near finish, driven out, won at Wincanton 2m nov hdl (4) gf in May beating Artadi (11-3) by a nk, 4 ran.
Mon Michel (IRE) 2-5fav (10-12) Held up, headway on bit 6th, chased leaders 3 out, shaken up to lead last, pushed out flat, won at Fontwell 2m 2f 4yo nov hdl (4) gs in May beating Norman Beckett (10-12) by a nk, 7 ran.
Rajeh (IRE) 4-1 (10-12) Held up in touch, headway 5th, led approaching 2 out, hung left flat, stayed on strongly, won at Market Rasen 2m 1f mdn hdl (4) gf in May beating Regal Sunset (10-12) by 3 1/2l, 15 ran.
Charge It (IRE) 15-2 (10-12) Towards rear, headway 5th, hit next, soon weakened, 6th of 14, 37l behind Presentandcorrect (11-5) at Bangor 2m 1f nov hdl (4) gd in May.
Gumlayloy 66-1 (10-12) Held up, weakened 5th, 10th of 14, well behind Presentandcorrect (11-5) at Bangor 2m 1f nov hdl (4) gd in May.
Habanero 13-8 (10-12) Prominent, pushed along approaching 3 out, ridden before 2 out, 3rd and one pace when not fluent last, 3rd of 10, 9l behind Deep Purple (10-12) at Stratford 2m nov hdl (3) gd in May.
Weet Yer Tern (IRE) 20-1 (10-9) Took keen hold, held up, headway after 3 out, mistake 2 out, stayed on to take 2nd close home, 2nd of 15, 2l behind Mr Ex (10-12) at Towcester 2m nov sll hdl (5) gd in May.
Pinkerton Mill 8-1 (10-10) Held up, headway 3 out, ridden to lead before last, stayed on well, won at Uttoxeter 2m nh nov hdl (4) gs in May beating My Carole (10-5) by 3 1/2l, 11 ran.
