always towards rear
chased leader to 4th, led next until headed 3 out, kept on well but never troubled winner
held up, headway 7th to go mid-division, weakened after 3 out
soon ridden along in rear, not fluent, behind and pulled up after 3 out
led briefly 1st, in touch until weakened 5th, soon well behind
held up mid-division, mistake 3rd, headway when mistake 3 out, ran on from next, not reach leaders
held up mid-division, never dangerous
keen, in touch, went 2nd at 5th, ridden and every chance 2 out, one-paced last
held up towards rear, headway and ridden 6th, one-paced next
mid-division, ridden and behind from 6th
blundered and unseated rider 2nd
held up in touch, took closer 6th, went 2nd after 3 out, led next, soon clear, comfortably
in touch, joined leaders approaching 7th, ridden and every chance approaching 2 out, soon weakened
keen, led 2nd to 4th, chased leader 6th, weakened next
ridden along in touch, weakened after 7th
Silver Birch was a fair fourth on his debut here over a longer trip behind Shardam. The gelding from the Paul Nicholls yard weakened two out on that occasion and he should be suited by this shorter trip and he is the TEAMtalk selection. Mac Hine rates the main danger he was a good winner of a bumper at Sandown last season when defeating Annie Byers. He is sure to have been well schooled and any market confidence would be significant. Watch The Dove was a good third last time out behind the highly regarded Thisthatandother doing all her best work at the finish and she will appreciate this longer trip. Captain Robin was a fair bumper horse a couple of seasons ago but he may just need the run after a long absence. Bob Ar Aghaidh has shown a modicum of ability but he is bred to be better over even further. The remainder may improve for the experience.
