held up, took closer order 15th, ridden after 4 out, went 2nd 2 out, no impression after, finished tired
prominent, hit 5th, still closer when pulled up after 9th
led until 5th, chased leaders, weakening when hit 17th
mistakes and always behind
held up, mistake 5th, good headway 15th, hit 17th, led after 4 out, soon ridden, kept on gamely under strong pressure run-in, all out
in touch, led 12th, mistake headed 17th, weakened approaching 3 out, pulled up after last
held up in touch, smooth headway to press winner 4 out, effort after 2 out, every chance run-in, no extra close home
prominent, led 17th until after next, soon ridden, weakened approaching 2 out
in touch, blundered 11th, ridden after 4 out, weakened after 3 out
chased leaders until 4th, behind from 9th, tailed off and pulled up after 15th
This is a good line-up for this valuable chase and it can go to Brave Spirit with Ask Henry and Bob's The Business rated as the biggest dangers. Spinning through the field. Talented but injury-prone, Ask Henry is fairly weighted if near his best, although he has had just one run in a year. Eva So Charming keeps finding one too good. Only lightly raced, Bob's The Business improved to finish second to Mini Sensation at Exeter last time and he too could have better to come. Villair was behind him on that occasion but is at least now racing from the mark he won from at Fakenham in October. Two of Brave Spirit's three wins have come here and at this time of year but he has been raised 10 pounds for the most recent of them. However, his trainer rates him highly and he does have youth on his side, so expect a bold showing. Bramblehill Duke would hold good claims on his best form of 2001/2 but he seems a light of those former years now. Levallois was better in France than he has so far proven here, while the others have a bit to find it would seem. Overall, then, once again, the vote goes to Brave Spirit.
