tracked leaders, led 10th, mistake and headed 12th, effort approaching 4 out, weakened after 2 out
tracked leaders, headway approaching 4 out, led next, clear after 2 out, easily
led to 3rd, pushed along and weakened after 8th, soon tailed off
pulled hard in rear, headway 3rd, mistake and dropped rear 7th, soon tailed off, fell 10th
Just the five runners, but a very good contest nonetheless. Vol Solitaire is earning his corn at the moment. Fourth in the Grand Annual and a very good second at Aintree last week, he will be looking to emulate the stable's Valley Henry, who won this last year. He's very useful and, interestingly, steps up in trip here. Tarxien beat Farmer Jack by three lengths over this trip at Sandown on 1 February. However, that was on heavy going and, back on a sounder surface, Farmer Jack could fare better. He beat Vol Solitaire over two miles at Haydock on good going in December when conceding 8lbs and concedes 4lbs today. However, that might count for little in the overall scheme of things at this time of year and both should run good races. Tarxien, who fell early in the Cathcart Chase last time, is the best of these on official ratings but will not be able to run well below his best to land this. It sets up a fascinating contest. Bow Strada's form is decent but he has a bit to find on official ratings, while Early Edition cannot be seriously considered at this level. As a selection, then, we'll go for Tarxien.
