behind, some headway from 6th, ridden and weakened from 4 out
behind, ridden 6th, tailed off when pulled up after 8th
held up, headway 6th, led briefly after 8th, soon ridden, no chance with winner
prominent until ridden and weakened approaching 3 out
raced keen, led 4th to 7th, soon weakened, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
held up towards rear, headway 6th, stayed on one pace from 2 out
led briefly after 8th, led again 4 out, made rest, hard ridden approaching last, kept on well flat
led 2nd to 4th, led again 7th to next, ridden and weakened approaching 2 out
behind, headway approaching 6th, ridden and weakened from 3 out
led 1st, headed next, ridden 8th, weakened 4 out, pulled up before next
in touch until ridden and weakened 7th, tailed off when pulled up before 4 out
Some interesting contenders in this, with the O'Neill, Nicholls and Twiston Davies stables represented, although overall the race does not look to be anything out of the ordinary. Silver Birch, from Nicholls' yard, is hard to assess and the market might prove the best guide to his chances. O'Neill's Scarborough Fair was eighth of ten in a Newbury bumper on his sole start, which told us little. Charlies Future's third behind Audiostreetdotcom at Newton Abbot reads quite well in the context of this race, as does McSnappy's Ascot third. General Jackson showed little on his hurdling debut. Moody Blues showed that he stayed this trip over fences, while My Native Land, on his second run since coming over from Ireland, showed further promise on his last run at Wincanton. By Shardari out of a Buckskin mare, Shardam should appreciate a trip and he has form enough to play a part in this. Lynrick Lady has clearly had her problems but, intriguingly, is by Best Mate's sire Un Desperado. On balance, Shardam ought to be able to go close at this level, and he is the TEAMtalk selection.