tracked leaders until weakened and lost touch approaching 4 out
jumped well, tracked leader from 4th, left clear 7th, drew clear approaching last, unextended
ridden 4 out, weakening when hit 2 out
held up, tracked winner from 6th, ridden approaching 3 out, one pace from next
led, clear from 3rd, two lengths clear when mistake and fell 7th
tracked leader, lost place 4th, behind 6th, tailed off from next
Pillaging Pict showed progressive form throughout last term and continued in the same vein when an impressive 12-length winner in testing conditions at Kelso earlier in the month. However, the handicapper has shown no mercy and the son of Primitive Rising may struggle to follow up having risen 14lb in the handicap subsequently. Ex-French chaser is hard to assess but has shown a liking for testing conditions and should be closely monitored in the market but TEAMtalk preference is for Star Jack. Jimmy Fitzgerald's charge has been a model of consistency this term having been placed in useful company on his last three starts and, with ground conditions in his favour, may be able to gain a richly deserved victory off a reasonable handicap mark.
