in touch, closed on leaders after 3 out, weakened approaching last
ridden 3 out always behind
chased leader, mistake 2nd, led approaching next, headed 4th, led again after 5th, headed after 3 out, ridden and weakened approaching 2 out
held up, headway 5th, chased winner approaching 2 out until approaching last, soon no extra
held up, still plenty to do after 2 out, good headway to chase winner approaching last, no extra and lost 2nd flat
held up, headway 3 out, not fluent 2 out, one pace approaching last
lost touch 3rd, tailed off and pulled up before 3 out
held up, brief effort after 3 out, soon beaten
chased leaders, led after 3 out, ridden clear approaching last, driven out
prominent, lost place 4th, mistake 2 out, stayed on well approaching last, went 2nd flat, not trouble winner
led until ran wide bend after 2nd, led again 4th until after next, ridden and weakened 3 out
Poitiers, River Pirate, Day Du Roy, Figaro Du Rocher and Forever Dream are all shortlisted here but we will take a chance on the in-form Forever Dream. The selection was a good second last time behind the highly-regarded Tinoveritas, despite pulling hard early on and if he settles better here he will take a good deal of beating. He looks a progressive type who has shown signs of greenness, and with likely improvement he looks the type that could be capable of running up a sequence of wins. River Pirate could represent the main danger as this gelding from the in-form Nicky Henderson yard is improving with each run and won well last time when defeating Gebora. However, his trainer feels he still has some growing to do and he may be better next season so is opposed for that reason. Day du Roy is another with chances but despite travelling well in his races he tends to find little off the bridle. Poitiers is capable of a big run but he looks to be in the grip of the handicapper at the moment, while Figaro du Rocher was well beaten last time and will need to do better here to trouble the principles. This looks quite competitive, but we are happy to give the improving Forever Dream the vote.
