tracked leader, led 13th, drew clear flat, stayed on strongly
led to 13th, weakened from 15th
in touch, headway 13th, chased winner next, held when blundered 2 out
in touch, pecked 6th, weakened and lost touch from 13th, tailed off
tracked leaders, hard ridden and not quickened 2 out, weakened flat
Commanche Jim comes in to the race in top form having won two of his last three including a battling display to score over three miles in testing conditions at Taunton last month. However, Robert Alner's charge had little to spare at the line and a subsequent 7lb rise may prevent the follow-up. Irish Option made an uncharacteristic error when coming to grief on his latest start but had previously shown a consistent level of form and he can go close if the experience hasn't left it's mark. Dick McCarthy ran disappointingly in first-time blinkers last time but is well treated on the pick of his form and it would be no surprise to see him put up a much improved display but the vote goes to Wontcostalotbut. Ben de Haan's charge landed a novice over course and distance in December and ran well when third in a handicap on a return visit to the track last month. The son of Nicholas Bill has been dropped 3lb since and faces slightly easier opposition here so should go well under Liam Cummins.
