took keen hold, prominent until weakened after 3 out
in touch, blundered 4th, ridden and effort 6th, weakened after 3 out
took keen hold, chased leaders until weakened after 3 out
behind, mistakes 4th & 5th, well behind and beaten next, tailed off
always prominent, effort 5th, led narrowly after 3 out, pressed from next, driven and ran on well flat
led, mistake 3 out, soon headed, 3rd and beaten when mistake 2 out
held up, steady headway to track leaders 6th, effort 2 out, driven to press winner last, held when rider dropped whip 50 yards out
in touch until weakened approaching 2 out
Vanormix had too much use made of him when last seen at Newbury in March and may be worth another chance in a handicap for the first time with Pirandello and Frederic Forever rated the main dangers. The selection had looked unlucky to come up against the useful Saintsaire on his British debut and then when unseating his rider at the last when challenging on his next start so was hardly winning out of turn when scoring at Exeter in novice-company twice subsequently. A mark of 122 seems fair for the French-bred gelding and, if ridden with a touch more restraint than at Newbury on his final start last term, could well be the answer to a tricky finale. Topweight Red Sun seems to be in the grip of the handicapper if judged by his last time out effort over course and distance. The Philip Hobbs-trained Frederic Forever has along absence to overcome but has to be respected if fit enough for his return but a bigger threat is likely to come from Pirandello. Kim Bailey's gelding found just Caracciola too good at Sandown on his return earlier this month and, with improvement to come for that, he has solid claims. Mister Putt ended last season on a winning note and is worthy of a mention on his return along with the reappearing Downpour but Vanormix could still be on the upgrade and gets the vote.
