led, awkward 2nd, headed 5th, slow 7th, ridden after 8th and weakened, last after 4 out, tailed off
tracked leading pair, awkward 4th, nudged after 7th, 2nd jumping 4 out, dropped to 3rd 3 out and ridden, soon beaten
tracked leader, reminder after 3rd, progress to lead 5th, hit 6th, hit 7th and reminder, pushed after 3 out, ridden after 2 out, headed last where awkward, kept on gamely
held up in rear, went 3rd after 4 out, cruised into 2nd after 3 out, nudged after 2 out, hit front last, pushed clear
The progressive ROBIN GOLD has been raised 8lb for her latest success at Ascot last month but the runner-up has subsequently won so the form looks solid and Dan Skelton’s mare has little to fear from today’s opposition on recent efforts. Exod'ela wasn’t beaten far on faster going at Cheltenham in October but disappointed last time while Poker Play has been well beaten since winning at Ffos Las last year but has slipped back down the weights. Samuel Jackson is another looking to rediscover his best now back on a winning mark.
Poker Play (FR) 28-1 (10-10) Not jump well and went left at times, always towards rear, well beaten from 3 out, 8th of 10, 33 3/4l behind On The Blind Side (11-6) at Cheltenham 3m hcp lst (1) sft in Nov.
Samuel Jackson 66-1 (11-11) Held up in rear, struggling 8th, tailed off after next, 10th of 13, dist behind Ashtown Lad (11-2) at Uttoxeter 2m 7f hcp (3) sft in Nov.
Exod'ela (FR) 3-1 (11-3) 2nd early, chased leaders, pushed along 4 out, ridden 3 out, beaten next, soon weakened, 3rd of 4, 30l behind Shang Tang (10-12) at Ascot 2m 6f (2) sft in Nov.
Robin Gold (IRE) 4-1 (10-6) Held up in last, headway going well when not fluent 2 out, eased left to inside and went 2nd last, led towards finish, very cheekily, won at Ascot 3m hcp (3) sft in Nov beating Midnightreflection (11-2) by 1/2l, 8 ran.
