behind from 2nd, mistake 4th, tailed off next, pulled up before 6th
prominent, mistake 4th, ridden and weakened 5 out, pulled up before next
keen and prominent 1st, lost place 6th, rallied 5 out but weakened next, tailed off
held up, headway after 7th, led on bit 4 out, comfortably
held up in touch, ridden 4 out, one pace approaching last
led 1st, chased leader, led again after 7th, headed after 8th, weakened flat
pulled hard, led after 1st, headed after 7th, weakening when mistake 4 out
held up, mistake 3rd, headway 5 out, every chance 4 out, ridden and one pace approaching last
held up, some headway 5th, ridden 4 out, weakened flat
It is safe to assume the ground will be really testing by this stage of the afternoon, so with that in mind, Advance East is fancied to cope with conditions a touch better than Barton Nick and edges the nomination here. Others to have a look at in the betting include: Trenance, who is far less exposed than most and arrives here with his stable in good form. Sou' Wester also has fewer miles on the clock than many of the rest and holds each-way claims if he takes to fences. Calon Lan, on the other hand, is a wily old character that still retains his enthusiasm for the game despite his advancing years. However, it is doubtful that this undulating course will bring the best out of him and others make more appeal. With the list headed by Advance East, whose proven relish for wading through the mud gives him a narrow edge over Barton Nick, who faces no easy task under a 6lb penalty on ground that may be a little more testing than he cares for.
