tracked leader, led 8th til 10th, ridden and mistake 3 out, weakened
not jump well, chased leaders until 5th, soon ridden behind when blundered and unseated rider, 9th
behind and pulled up after 5th, dismounted
led until 5th, prominent til approaching 4 out, one pace
always prominent, led 5th to 8th, led 10th, driven clear after 4 out comfortably
chased leaders, ridden after 8th, weakened after 4 out
An interesting handicap chase with several of the eight runners holding claims including Skinsey Finnegan, Benji and Shalford but the vote goes to Moscow Tradition, who looks fairly treated for his debut in the grade. The selection made a pleasing return over hurdles when third to Air Of Confusion at Bangor and is entitled to improve for the run. The switch to chasing may be the making of Jonjo O'Neill's gelding and, off a mark of 95, he looks worth a bet. Skinsey Finnegan is a consistent performer but seems plenty high enough in the weights at present and may need the outing anyway. Benji has been raised 5lbs for his defeat of Misty Future (runs in the 3:05pm) at Hereford last time and cannot be discounted. He rates a bigger threat than Salford, who probably needs some help from the handicapper. Tudor King is inconsistent these days, while Just Reuben may struggle from 3lbs out of the weights proper so the vote goes to Moscow Tradition.