led, blundered 1st, blundered and headed 4th, led again 8th, pushed along 13th, headed approaching 5 out, ridden to lead again 4 out, clear last
chased winner, blundered 1st, ridden approaching 4 out, went 2nd 3 out, hit next, kept on no chance with winner
held up towards rear, blundered 3rd, pushed along 10th, ridden and deep from 5 out
chased leaders, blundered 2nd, pushed along 5th, weakened from 5 out
held up in mid-division, blundered 3rd, tracked leaders 6th, led approaching 5 out, headed next, weakening when hit 2 out
tracked leaders, ridden along 10th, blundered badly 5 out, soon weakened
held up in rear, headway approaching 4 out, soon ridden, went 3rd approaching last, kept on never dangerous
soon with leader, led 4th, mistake 7th, headed next, soon weakened, pulled up before 4 out
Grey Abbey returned to winning ways when successful over hurdles at Catterick last time but is hardly well treated back over fences for the first time since joining Howard Johnson, so preference is for Rodalko who gets the vote over Royal Auclair. The last mentioned ran his best race for some time when touched off by stablemate Exit Swinger at Wincanton last time. However, better-fancied rivals did not perform to their true ability that day and he may struggle back in a handicap today. Shardante now seems to be in the grip of the handicapper, while Grand National hopeful Amberleigh House probably wants a softer surface. Oliver Sherwood's Rodalko is a fast improving gelding, who won with plenty in hand at Ludlow on Friday and there is no reason why he cannot follow up here under his penalty.