in touch, led after 4 out, ridden clear 2 out, readily
in touch until 9th, soon tailed off
in touch until 8th, tailed off and pulled up before 10th
never travelling, held up and always behind
led, soon clear, headed 10th, soon beaten
behind, chased leader from 4th, led 10th, headed after 4 out, soon ridden, kept on same pace
Rigmarole did not seem to stay three miles at Worcester last time and the drop back in trip can see him open his account over fences in a decent contest for the time of year where Escompteur and Flying Spirit provide stiff opposition. The selection was high class over two miles over hurdles at his best but Paul Nicholls has sent him over three miles in his two outings to date over the larger obstacles and this drop in distance will surely suit. Escompteur had some useful form over hurdles but was always likely to do better once switched to the larger obstacles; however, Martin Pipe's gelding was turned over at odds on by Tribal Dispute on his chasing debut last week and may need more time and a softer surface before showing his best. Kitty John has a long absence to overcome, while Padre has given little sign of encouragement so far and a bigger threat is likely to come from Flying Spirit. Gary Moore's gelding has shown a decent level of form in two starts over fences this term and has to be respected but, granted a good clear round, Rigmarole should be too classy for his rivals and he gets the vote to open his account over fences.
