held up, not fluent 4th, mistake 7th, soon ridden, weakened after next
held up, headway to go 3rd after 6th, ridden and every chance 2 out, no chance with winner from last
led, ridden and headed approaching 2 out, weakened approaching last
always prominent, led going well approaching 2 out, clear flat, easily
tracked leader, shaken up after 5th, weakened approaching 7th, behind when pulled up before next
held up in touch, struggling approaching 4 out, soon weakened, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
Topweight River Ness has shown enough in two starts this term to suggest that are races to be won with him but the Nicky Richards-trained mare has been done few favours by the handicapper, who has seen it fit to raise her another 1lb for her latest five length second to Royal Castle at Sedgefield. Ginger McCain's Ebony Light has filled third place in all three starts since opening his account in a Uttoxeter maiden hurdle in March. Third place might be the best that he can hope for here as well with Metal Detector in opposition. Kim Bailey's gelding is still a novice as his only success so far came in May, when having Dantie Boy, Putup Or Shutup and Clever Thyne (amongst others) behind. The son of Treasure Hunter looks well treated for his handicap debut on a mark of 106 and, if fit enough, he looks good enough to win what seems a poor contest. He is the TEAMtalk selection. Jonjo O'Neill's Wagner showed very little last term after a season off but may do better now and is probably the best of the rest.
