towards rear, effort 9th, ridden and headway to chase winner approaching 4 out, disputed briefly 2 out, no extra from last
tracked leader, led after 13th, ridden 3 out, kept on well
led, ridden and headed after 13th, weakening when mistake 4 out
towards rear and mistakes early, ridden 12th, behind when pulled up 4 out
tracked leader and fell 8th
held up, effort 13th, beaten from 4 out
A rather disappointing turn out for the most valuable race on the card but it presents an ideal opportunity for A Piece Of Cake who is taken to bounce back to form. Mary Reveley's charge makes a quick reappearance after an early exit when well supported for a similar contest at Wetherby last week and, with conditions in his favour, the son of Roselier should prove hard to beat off a mark just 4lb higher compared to his course and distance success last month. Hugo De Grez comes here in tremendous heart following wins at Carlisle and Kelso and is fully effective on testing ground but is 9lb higher for his latest victory and may struggle to concede weight to the selection. Needwood Lion is a thoroughly game and genuine sort having won twice and placed twice in his last four starts but faces no easy task off his revised rating. Heavenly Stride was in the process of a good effort on his reappearance here late last month before falling at the final fence but has stamina doubts so the well treated Premier Drive may pose a bigger threat.
