mid-division, smooth headway 6f out, led on bit 2f out, quickened clear, readily
held up behind, steady headway from halfway, chased winner from 3f out, kept on
mid-division until halfway, soon tailed off
in touch, weakened over 4f out
chased leaders, ridden 4f out, weakened 3f out
chased leaders, ridden 4f out, stayed on final furlong
chased leaders until 7f out, weakened quickly, tailed off and pulled up final furlong
mid-division until halfway, soon tailed off
always behind, tailed off
chased leaders, led 6f out, ridden 3f out, headed 2f out, kept on same pace
mid-division, headway 5f out, every chance 4f out, weakened quickly
tailed off from halfway, pulled up final furlong
mid-division, headway to chase leaders 4f out, stayed on final furlong
in touch, ridden and headway 4f out, one pace after
Ain't That A Shame is taken to get losses back and gets the vote ahead of Black Hills, Northern Madrick and The Gangerman. With trainer Paul Nicholls in top form at present, the vibes are good for Ain't That A Shame who should have learnt enough from his introduction on this course in October to prevail. He was beaten by Smart Mover's turn of foot last time, but still finished a very creditable second, and will be a popular choice to go one better. Black Hills was unfancied and ran green at Huntingdon recently, but still managed to be placed and is another that will come on for the run. he can give the selection most to do along with Martin Pipe's newcomer Northern Madrik who should be noted in the betting. The Gangerman faded to sixth place on his Hereford introduction and will need to settle better, but he too comes from a yard that has the knack of landing these type of events so will no doubt make his presence felt. Of all those mentioned though, Ain't That A Shame makes most appeal.
