mid-division, headway and in touch after 4 out, went 2nd after next, challenged 2 out, ridden to lead before last, stayed on well to go clear flat
tracked leaders, went 2nd 6th, led 3 out, hard pressed next, ridden and headed before last, no extra when mistake last, just held on for 2nd
in rear, struggling 6th, tailed off 3 out
held up towards rear, blundered badly 5th, struggling next, weakened 3 out
tracked leaders, ridden approaching 3 out, no impression from next
in touch, led 2nd, headed when hit 3 out, ridden and one pace in clear 3rd next, kept on under pressure flat, just failed for 2nd
jumped right early, led to 2nd, tracked leader, lost place 6th, soon struggling, weakened 3 out, tailed off
in touch on inside, driven and outpaced before 3 out, soon ridden and no impression
Several runners with entries today had alternative engagements yesterday, including Hucking Hero who had Zafar behind when he won a Ludlow seller earlier this month. Tim Vaughan's gelding almost certainly needed the run when only third to BACCALAUREATE at the same track on his return from a break but was still beaten 23 lengths off level weights and gives the impression he doesn't always find a lot off the bridle. Nigel Twiston-Davies' five-year-old has been well beaten in better company since but should regain the winning thread here. Baraathen is tried in blinkers after finishing second at Kelso but doesn't look the heartiest of battlers and will probably find at least one too good again in this.
Baccalaureate (FR) 9-1 (11-8) In touch in mid-division, close enough in 4th when not fluent 3 out, weakened before next, 6th of 8, 23l behind Speedy Directa (9-11) at Towcester 2m 3f hcp hdl 0-115 (4) gf.
Hucking Hero (IRE) 4-1 (11-4) Took keen hold, with leader, edged right and led 4th, in command last, ran on well, won at Ludlow 2m cond sll hdl (5) gd beating Courella (10-12) by 8l, 7 ran.
Charlie Delta 40-1 (10-6) Held up, jumped slowy 5th, outpaced next, well held 3 out, tailed off, 5th of 7, well behind Hucking Hero (11-4) at Ludlow 2m cond sll hdl (5) gd.
Nicky Nutjob (GER) 33-1 (10-13) In rear, pushed along after 5th, never a factor, last of 9, well behind Chrysander (10-9) at Bangor 2m 1f clm hdl (4) gd in Mar.
Zafar (IRE) 6-1 (11-12) Tracked leaders, challenged brielfy approaching 3 out, soon ridden, 4th and beaten when jumped left 2 out and last, 4th of 7, 13l behind Hucking Hero (11-4) at Ludlow 2m cond sll hdl (5) gd.
Baraathen (USA) 5-1 (10-6) Led, ridden and headed when bumped last, stayed on, no impression on winner final 125 yards, 2nd of 6, 2 3/4l behind Kai Broon (11-1) at Kelso 2m cond nov hcp hdl 0-105 (4) gf.
Pobs Trophy 9-2 (11-0) Chased leaders, effort after 3 out, baulked next, hard ridden and ran on to lead after last, all out, won at Plumpton 2m 3yo clm hdl (5) gd in Nov beating Moonbalej (10-5) by 1/2l, 11 ran.
Maria Antonia (IRE) 9-2 (11-2) Led to 2nd, tracked leader, weakened before 2 out, 8th of 9, 23l behind Call It On (11-7) at Market Rasen 2m 1f hcp hdl 0-110 (4) gf.
Friendly Love 100-1 (10-12) Held up in rear, not fluent 4th, ridden 6th, weakened approaching 3 out where mistake, tailed off, 6th of 7, well behind Hucking Hero (11-4) at Ludlow 2m cond sll hdl (5) gd.
