always behind
held up, headway 9th, weakened approaching last
held up, headway 2 out, kept on same pace approaching last
held up until fell 9th
always behind
held up, brought down 9th
held up, steady headway 3 out, 3rd and held when blundered last
held up in touch, challenged 2 out, led approaching last, ran on well flat
chased leaders to 7th, soon behind
chased leader, ridden 7th, weakened 2 out
prominent to 7th, soon lost place and behind
held up, headway 2 out, held when hit last, kept on flat
led, mistake 3 out, ridden and headed approaching last, kept on same pace flat
Darapour, very useful when formerly-trained by Aidan O'Brien (rated 137 at best, now runs off 124), looked to be back to something like his old self when winning in very easy fashion at Southwell a week ago, will be a popular choice running with just a penalty and before he is reassessed. Given that he is one of only two left in the race by Jonjo O'Neill from five five-day entries, and he is the choice of Liam Cooper, means he gets the TEAMtalk vote. Ballysicyos has proven a good money-spinner but has no mean task off top weight on his seasonal return. Lorenzino fell on his seasonal return but looks the O'Neill second choice anyway. Roveretto was a good second to O'Neill's Young American at Haydock last time (raised 4lbs for that) and the form is solid enough. However, O'Neill again holds the key and support for Darapour would be no surprise. Lordberniebouffant is a decent chaser on his day and, while he is the type to run well fresh, may not quite be up to winning at the first time of asking. Guard Duty (one of two Martin Pipe runners) has been a little disappointing on his last few runs but his second to Native Emperor (from a 1lb higher mark than today) giving that horse 21lbs reads very well (even though he finished behind him at Cheltenham on his last-but-one run on much-revised terms). If back to his best, he has to be considered. Facts Not Fiction, back to a winning mark in Britain, has also to be considered at this longer trip. Proper Squire has been raised 5lbs for his Kempton win and would need to improve again. The same comments apply to Glacial Sunset, raised 8lbs for a Hereford success, while Empire Park was well behind Roveretto at Haydock. Uncle Mick keeps getting raised for getting beaten. The handicapper is starting to relent with Live The Dream now but she still might find a couple or more too good for her.
