led, hit 2nd, ridden 4 out, headed when hit 2 out, weakened
held up in touch and always going well, shaken up to lead approaching 2 out, ran on really well
tracked leaders, ridden and weakened approaching 2 out
prominent and keen, ridden and weakened 2 out
held up towards rear, headway approaching 6th to join leaders, soon ridden and weakened
in touch and keen hold, lost place from 5th, soon well behind
in rear, reminders 4th, tailed off 6th, pulled up before 2 out
Arm And A Leg comes here in great form having won his last three starts but a 12lb rise for the latest of those successes leaves the nine-year-old more to do and preference is for Siena Star, who gets the vote over Whaleef. The selection has shown enough in three starts in novice and maiden hurdle races to suggest that he is well enough treated to take a hand on his debut in a handicap and Peter Bowen's gelding looks worth a bet. Gary Moore's Barcelona has slipped to a favourable mark but has given little sign of encouragement of late and a bigger threat may come from Whaleef. The six-year-old comes here on the back of a decent effort on the flat at Windsor last month and if able to translate his form there back over hurdles would have every chance. Naked Oat has struggled since winning at Market Rasen in June and is probably best watched in a race that is taken to go to Siena Star.
