tracked leaders, led 12th, slight lead last, headed and no extra close home
led, headed approaching 4th, led after 10th, headed approaching 12th, outpaced from next
prominent and raced keen, led approaching 4th, headed after 10th, soon behind
close up, not fluent 10th, challenged approaching 3 out, ridden approaching last, rallied gamely under pressure flat, all out to lead close home
Basically a match between Red Guard and Il Capitano with preference for the former. Josh Gifford's charge was easily the better of the pair over hurdles and should be hard to beat on these terms. The son of Soviet Star has taken time to adjust to the larger obstacles but finally got off the mark here last month and must be followed with his confidence high. Il Capitano, a former useful stayer on the level, made a winning debut here yesterday and should go well if recovering from his exertions but may find this drop in trip against him on this occasion.