chased leaders, headway 7th, ridden approaching 4 out, soon beaten
hold dup and behind, headway under pressure approaching 4 out, ridden and stayed on strongly from 2 out, nearest finish
always prominent, led 4 out, driven clear approaching 2 out, ridden last, kept on under pressure flat, always out
held up, headway 6th, ridden 4 out, soon weakened, behind when pulled up before 2 out
chased leaders to 8th, ridden and outpaced next, soon weakened
led, headed 4 out, ridden to chase winner next, stayed on well under pressure from 2 out
A rather disappointing turn out for the prize money on offer but this looks a good opportunity for the classy Europa to complete a hat-trick. Tom Tate's charge was a narrow winner over course and distance last time but this lazy type was returning from a seven-month absence and is open to further progress so can overcome a subsequent 4lb rise. Bleu Superbe is not the easiest to predict but bounced back to form when a most determined winner at Newbury in late November and appears better suited by this trip rather than further so rates a danger as is Turgeonev. Tim Easterby's charge blundered and unseated his rider at Kempton last weekend but has claims on his previous second off this mark in a similar event at Wetherby in November. Batswing has been well below his best of late so the consistent Abalvino looks best of the remainder.
