held up in rear, mistake 4th, ridden and no response next, eased when no chance before last
tracked leaders until weakened quickly 2 out
in touch, challenged 2 out, soon led, edged left before last, hung left and idled run-in, held on
pressed leader, led 3 out, soon narrowly headed, still every chance 2 out, chased winner but no impression run-in, lost 2nd near finish
held up in rear, mistake 3rd, no chance when jumped badly left 2 out
pulled hard in rear, weakened before 2 out
set steady pace, headed 3 out, outpaced before next, rallied well run-in, took 2nd near finish
tracked leaders, ridden 5th, losing place when mistake 2 out
took keen hold, tracked leaders, challenged 2 out, 4th and beaten when mistake last
Trouble At Bay has done little wrong since a debut defeat over hurdles, winning his last three starts and is taken to complete a four timer with Major Speculation and Meryl rated the main dangers. The last mentioned represents the stable of Guillaume Macaire and, having shown some decent form in his native France, has to be respected given the trainer's good record with runners in this country. Major Speculation had some fair form on the flat for Gerard Butler and made a winning start over hurdles for Martin Pipe at Newbury a month ago but that did not appear to be the strongest of races by the track's standards and he may struggle under his penalty. Zimbabwe was probably the best of these on the level and is entitled to strip fitter for his hurdling debut at Lingfield when well held behind Mondul (beaten since). Martin Pie's pair, Downtherefordancin and Pilca, warrant respect but for the winner we return to Trouble At Bay. Alan King's gelding, a useful middle distance handicapper on the flat, has shown steady improvement over hurdles and, with a strong pace that he needs seemingly guaranteed, the son of Slip Anchor is taken to score again.
