mistake 1st, reminders after 9th, ridden after 11th, soon lost place, well behind from next
held up and mistakes, reminders approaching 10th, headway after 12th, mistake next and eased, behind when pulled up before 14th
held up, pushed along approaching 8th, lost touch 11th, soon tailed off, pulled up before 2 out
held up in touch, blundered 3rd, outpaced after 14th, went poor 3rd approaching 2 out, left 2nd last
in touch, went prominent after 9th, chased winner approaching 11th, ridden 4 out, chance 2 out, four lengths second and beaten when tired, blundered and unseated rider last
mistake 1st, tracked leaders, ridden 13th, soon weakened, left poor 3rd last (wore cheek pieces)
jumped right throughout, made all, ridden approaching last, fourth lengths clear and in command when left well clear last
behind and not jumped well, tailed off from 7th, pulled up before next
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.
