led, ridden and headed 2 out, weakened approaching last
chased leaders, led 2 out, kept on well
held up mid-division, weakened approaching 4 out
chased leader, went 2nd after 2 out, not quicken
held up, ridden approaching 3 out, soon beaten
held up, effort approaching 3 out, soon weakened
in touch, weakened from 2 out
Mr Wiseguy can defy a penalty to land the finale, with Stradbrook and Habanero seen as the main dangers. Mr Wiseguy was a maiden on the level, but opened his account over hurdles at the third time of asking when hacking up at Worcester last month. Granted the ground was easier than it is today, but the manner of his front-running performance left the impression that he loves his new career. An 8lb penalty does not look too prohibitive, and he can follow up. Stradbrook is difficult to weigh up as he represents a powerful combination, but is having his first outing since contesting a soft-ground bumper in Ireland eight-months ago, while Habanero is more experienced but is starting to look exposed already. The market may reveal whether any of the others is fancied, but we shall rely on Mr Wiseguy to make all.