held up, headway and mistake 14th, every chance 3 out, ridden and pecked 2 out, kept on flat
prominent to 11th, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
pulled hard in touch, headway 13th, led 2 out, ridden and headed last, weakened flat
in touch, headway 12th, every chance 3 out, soon ridden, weakened approaching last
led, mistake 4 out, ridden and headed 2 out, weakening when blundered last, soon pulled up
tracked leaders, ridden and lost place 13th, rallied 2 out, led last, driven out
A small field goes to post for this novices chase and the principals look to be Ray Source, Illinilad and Golden Rod we will take a chance on the last named. The six year old was a fair third behind Stanmore last time out and with the step up in trip sure to suit he will be hard to beat. Ray Source rates the main danger he won well last out when defeating Excellent Vibes and a reproduction of that effort would see him go close despite his penalty. Illinilad also won well last time out but this looks tougher and for that reason he is opposed on this occasion. Of the remainder Iron Express would have a chance on his best form but he has become very disappointing of late and for that reason he is opposed on this occasion so we are happy to side with Golden Rod.