always behind, reluctant to race from 7th, tailed off when pulled up before 4 out
in touch, ridden approaching 2 out, every chance when not fluent last, not quicken flat
led to after 1st, led again, 5th to 8th, led again 3 out, ridden approaching 2 out, not fluent last, ran on
towards rear, ridden after 3 out, stayed on flat, not reached leaders
led after 1st to 5th, led again 8th to 3 out, soon ridden, stayed on same pace
prominent, outpaced 8th, stayed on flat
Goss, Jarro and Pure Brief are the three for the shortlist and we side with Pure Brief. John Mackie's runner has struggled of late but he has previous course and distance form and he is not alone in showing modest recent form. Jarro has old form that would entitle him to win this easily but backers have been waiting for another victory since the back end of 2004. Goss has never shown any of the ability that he was noted for in Ireland and would not rate as one of the more confident betting mediums in the race. Dan's Man is dropped in trip after flopping over further. Captains Table and Norseman Cateline are racing from out of the handicap and will need to have improved in order to take a hand in the finish. Not a strong race with a number of reluctant suitors and Pure Brief rates the token pick.
Goss 12-1 (11-3) Held up, headway 7th, ridden approaching 3 out, weakened before 2 out, 5th of 7, 17l behind Grave Doubts (11-12) at Exeter 2m 3f hcp hdl 0-125 (3) gf.
Jarro (FR) 13-2 (11-12) With leader, led 3rd to 6th, ridden after 9th, weakened 3 out, 3rd of 9, 20l behind Terrible Tenant (10-4) at Hereford 2m hcp chs 0-110 (4) gf in Sept.
Dan's Man 15-2 (11-10) Held up in mid-division and keen, ridden 5 out, weakened approaching 2 out, 5th of 9, 29l behind Kyno (11-12) at Plumpton 3m 1f hcp hdl 0-95 (5) gs in Apr.
Pure Brief (IRE) 13-2 (10-11) Chased leaders, ridden after 7th, weakened 4 out, 5th of 8, 40l behind Il Penseroso (11-0) at Stratford 2m 1f hcp chs 0-105 (4) gf in Aug.
Norseman Cateline (FR) 20-1 (10-5) Held up, headway after 5th, jumped right and no impression from 3 out, hung left after last, 5th of 12, 11l behind Walton Way (10-0) at Worcester 2m nov hcp hdl 0-105 (4) gs in Sept.
Captains Table 25-1 (11-7) Led to 3rd, chased leader, ridden after 4 out, soon weakened, 5th of 9, 17l behind Assumetheposition (11-4) at Market Rasen 2m 4f hcp chs 0-90 (5) gd in Aug.