mid-division, blundered and lost place 2nd, behind when slightly hampered 3rd, ridden and headway 3 out, hampered again 2 out, went 2nd last, weakened flat
held up, headway approaching 7th, ridden and every chance when fell 2 out
chased leaders, ridden 4 out, outpaced 3 out, kept onto go 2nd flat
held up, headway 6th, weakening when mistake 3 out, tailed off and pulled up before 2 out
chased leader, pecked 1st, fell 3rd
in touch, slightly hampered 3rd, led 8th, challenged when fell 2 out
always behind, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
hampered 3rd, behind from 6th, mistake 8th, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
mid-division, ridden and headway after 3 out, left in clear lead 2 out, ridden out
led to 8th, ridden after next, weakening when left 2nd, hampered 2 out
Martin Pipe's Ilabon ran better at Fontwell last week and has to be respected but more solid claims are held by Brooklyn's Gold, who gets the vote ahead of Fantastic Arts and Donovan. The last mentioned has claims on the pick of his form but could probably do with some help from the handicapper, while Moorlaw ran respectably in a maiden chase at Doncaster last time and has a chance representing the in-form yard of Ginger McCain. Peter Beaumont's Italiano faces no easy task giving weight away all round, while Flower of Pitcur has disappointed of late and of more interest may be Fantastic Arts. The Venetia Williams-trained gelding is less exposed than most of his rivals and has to be respected but the vote goes to Brooklyn's Gold, who has slipped to a fair mark and should find this trip ideal having failed to stay further last time.
