tracked leaders in 3rd, went 2nd at 4th, ridden after 2 out, one pace, eased when beaten run-in
tracked leader, led from 1st, clear approaching 4th, ridden approaching last, kept on well
led to 1st, tracked winner until 4th, in rear from next, pushed along in 3rd approaching 2 out, soon weakened
in rear, pushed along from 4th, chased leading pair from next, weakened after 3 out, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
This should be a easy task for OSRIC and he can take the measure of Gremlin and Marc Aurele. The handicapper believes Nicky Henderson's inmate to be much superior to these rivals and with Tony McCoy booked to do the steering, the combination will be available at very cramped odds indeed. Gremlin was a quirky sort for Alan King, but on the flat performances, it seems that he could well have turned the corner for Dai Burchell. The market is watched to see how it reacts. Marc Aurele hasn't quite lived up to the heights reached by the owner's other bloodstock interests. He has shown an ability to handle the surface though may be more of a future chasing type. Diamond Eclipse was predictably outclassed last time out but Nick Williams' record with hurdlers over the last year has spoken for itself. Raspbary's racecourse form is likely to get the fruit of the same name from the punters this afternoon. Not a strong contest and Osric should have too much ability for his four rivals in the finale.
Gremlin 5-1 (11-2) Chased leaders, led on inside after 3 out, ridden and hit last, headed flat, no extra and lost 2nd towards finish, 3rd of 12, 4l behind King Gabriel (10-10) at Fontwell 2m 2f nov hcp 0-115 (4) gf in Apr '09.
Marc Aurele (IRE) 20-1 (11-10) In touch, hit 5th, lost place next, behind 7th, tailed off, 10th of 11, well behind Lord Ragnar (11-12) at Newbury 2m 3f cnd nov hcp hdl (0-120) (3) sft in Mar.
Diamond Eclipse (IRE) 40-1 (10-8) Raced keenly, held up behind, headway into mid-division 2nd, tracked leaders 5th until lost place 3 out, soon behind, tailed off, last of 9, well behind Captain Chris (11-4) at Cheltenham 2m 1f nh nov hdl (2) gd.
Raspbary 20-1 (10-0) Always behind, 4th of 8, 38l behind Captain Chris (11-6) at Kempton 2m nov hdl (4) gd in Mar.
Osric (IRE) Evensfav (11-0) Mid-division in main group, went 13 lenghts down in 3rd before 2 out, 7 lenghts down last, closed flat, no impression near finish, 3rd of 14, 2l behind Outside The Box (11-0) at Newbury 2m nh nov hdl (4) sft in Mar.
