close up, ridden 6th, effort and mistake 7th, soon beaten
took keen hold, held up, mistake 3rd, slow and behind 9th, tailed off when blundered 3 out
led to 4th, stayed tracking winner, no impression and lost 2nd approaching 2 out, weakened
tracked leader, led 4th, ridden clear approaching last, stayed on well, eased flat
held up in rear, promising headway to track winner approaching 2 out, soon ridden, found little and beaten before last
chased leaders until weakened approaching 3 out
Wahiba Sands disappointed at Cheltenham last time but has done so there before and should do better here but, along with Turgeonev and Phar Jeffen, has it to do to beat Hot Shots, who looks ahead of the handicapper. Admittedly Mark Pitman's gelding has been raised 10lbs for his win over course and distance at the beginning of the month, when beating Upgrade by six lengths (value for further) but that is more than fair and he is taken to follow up for his in-form handler. Turgeonev sprung a surprise when scoring at Wetherby last time but the close proximity of the placed horses suggests that the form may not be too special. Phar Jeffen overcame a long absence to win a match race at Kempton last time but this is tougher and a bigger threat may be Wahiba Sands, who has to be respected on running behind Edredon Bleu (Castle Prince held) at Exeter. No Visibility looks badly treated at present on a mark of 140 and Bleu Superbe, while well in on his best form, has failed to complete in his last four starts. Hot Shots holds solid claims and, if able to reproduce the form of his latest start, will be tough to beat.
