held up, headway 12th, led approaching 3 out, clear next, ridden out
started very slowly, always behind
tracked leaders, mistake 3rd, weakened 10th, tailed off and pulled up before 3 out
tracked leaders, ridden 14th, pecked 2 out, stayed on one pace
chased leaders, ridden approaching 12th, soon weakened
refused to race, took no part
held up, headway 5th, ridden and not fluent 3 out, stayed on one pace
in touch, ridden approaching 2 out, pecked badly last, stayed on, not trouble winner
led to 12th, ridden and mistake 4 out, weakened after next
The 14-year-old Hanakham won only his second race since landing the 1997 Sun Alliance Chase when successful over course and distance last month. That was a poor contest though and, under a penalty, he may struggle to follow up. Parahandy had little chance behind the in form Macgeorge last time and has to be respected, along with Step On Eyre, who has had a confidence boosting success in point-to-point company since disappointing in a hunter chase last time. However, the one that gets the vote is Sawa-Id. Not seen over regulation fences since being pulled up at Ayr two years ago, Caroline Bailey's gelding has a recent success in a point-to-point to his name and his shrewd trainer is bound to have him ready for this. He gets the vote. Step Quick looks the best of the remainder.
