in rear, mistakes 5th and 7th, closer order soon after, ridden 3 out, weakened 2 out
in rear, mistake 2nd, mid-division when pulled up approaching 3 out
in rear and detached, stayed on after 2 out, disputed lead last, carried right and led soon after, ridden out
mid-division, slow jump 2nd, blundered and lost place next, ridden and headway 3 out, disputed lead last, jumped right and weakened
tracked leaders, led on bit 3 out, ridden after 2 out, weakened quickly and headed approaching 2 out, mistake last and virtually pulled up
in rear, behind 3 out, stayed on
tracked leader, led 6th, ridden clear 7th, mistake 8th, mistake again 9th and headed, soon weakenened, pulled up before last
mid-division, headway 6th, ridden to chase leader and hit 2 out, ridden and disputed lead last, soon weakened
led and stumbled 1st, headed when hit 6th, weakened 8th, pulled up before next
Our Samson gets the vote over Leadaway and Cougar, with Daggy Boy best watched for the future. The going is sure to be testing at Folkestone, and with fitness a major requirement, the pendulum swings the way of Our Samson who posted a fine second to Thenford Star at Wincanton last month. He had higher-rated rivals behind him on what was his handicap bow that day, and does not need to improve too much to go one better. There are reasons for opposing Leadaway as he has crept up the weights, seems to prefer faster ground, and has an absence to overcome, while Cougar, although better handicapped than he was two years ago, has yet to show much in two efforts this term. Daggy Boy is best watched on his belated return, and will no doubt be going over fences shortly, so all in all, Our Samson has everything going for him and should take the beating.
Leadaway 2-1 (10-5) In touch, ridden after 3 out, stayed on same pace, 3rd of 9, 2l behind Granite Man (11-5) at Cartmel 2m 6f hcp hdl 0-110 (4) gf in Jul.
Trebello 10-1 (10-10) Mid-division until dropped rear after 3rd, lost touch 8th and pulled up 2 out in race won by Here We Go (11-5) at Fontwell 2m 6f hcp hdl 0-105 (4) sft in Apr, 15 ran.
Eastern Point 14-1 (11-5) With leader, ridden 8th, weakened next, 6th of 10, 17l behind Safe To Blush (10-6) at Hereford 3m 2f hcp hdl (5) gf in Nov.
Our Samson (IRE) 15-2 (10-4) Prominent, chased leader 3 out, ridden to lead approaching 2 out, headed after 2 out, with leader when hit last, no extra flat, 2nd of 19, 3l behind Thenford Star (10-2) at Wincanton 2m 6f nov hcp hdl 0-100 (4) gs in Nov.
Daggy Boy (NZ) 100-1 (10-7) In touch, ridden 3 out, soon weakened, 12th of 19, 30l behind Nous Voila (11-4) at Leicester 2m nov hdl (D) sft in Dec '05.
Cougar (IRE) 12-1 (11-2) Chased leaders, ridden 10th, stayed on under pressure to dispute 2nd 3 out, weakened before next, 5th of 11, 34l behind Alderbrook Girl (10-4) at Plumpton 3m 1f nov hcp hdl 0-90 (5) gs in Nov.
Real Definition 15-2 (10-0) Chased leaders until weakened 7th, tailed off when pulled up 2 out in race won by Gerrard (10-5) at Folkestone 2m 5f nov hcp chs 0-95 (5) gs in Nov, 12 ran.
Alfadora 22-1 (10-0) Prominent, ridden after 3 out, weakened approaching 2 out, 7th of 19, 30l behind Thenford Star (10-2) at Wincanton 2m 6f nov hcp hdl 0-100 (4) gs in Nov.
Dryliner 150-1 (11-0) Soon behind, mistake 5th, tailed off when pulled up 2 out in race won by Ally Shrimp (11-6) at Bangor 3m nov hdl (4) gd in May, 13 ran.
