always prominent, quickened to lead 4 out, soon headed, blundered 2 out, ridden to lead close home, cleverly
led, clear when mistake 5th, weakened and headed approaching 5 out, soon one pace
held up in touch, went 2nd 9th, led approaching 5 out, headed and ridden next, led again 3 out, weakened and headed close home
soon pushed along in rear, tailed off from 8th, pulled up before 5 out
always in rear, tailed off from 8th, pulled up before 5 out
held up, headway 11th, went 3rd 4 out, soon ridden along, one pace from 2 out
not jump well in rear, tailed off from 8th
tracked leaders to 4th, mistake 7th, soon weakened, behind when blundered 4 out, pulled up before next
A competitive contest gets proceedings under way and many can be given a chance on their best form but the principals look to be Vodka Bleu, Northern Deal and Shalako and the confident vote goes to Vodka Bleu. The selection showed improved form when defeating Smiths landing and although he is giving weight away to all his rivals in this contest he again has conditions in his favour and he is taken to win again. Shalako rates the main danger he was a fair second behind Isard last time but that horse is trained by Martin Pipe the same as the selection so he should know how he stands with this rival and for that reason he is opposed. Northern Deal is also worthy of respect as he is unexposed and won well last time out when defeating Mr Fluffy however this looks much more competitive and he will need to improve to score. Of the remainder Makeup Smiling was a fair sort over hurdles and is worth noting in the market but for the winner we return to the experienced Vodka Bleu.
