tracked leader, weakened after 3 out
prominent, raced keen, went 2nd after 3 out, led approaching last, driven out
tracked leaders, ridden, weakened 3 out
led, not fluent 4th and 5th, ridden, headed approaching last, no extra when lost 2nd towards finish
held up, chased leaders approaching 3 out, ridden approaching next, kept on to take 2nd towards finish
Nonrunner
Not a big field here but a competitive contest nonetheless and HECTOR'S CHOICE might just be able to outclass Catch Bob. Both those earmarked are mudlovers and will be well suited by conditions, and the selection, Hector's Choice, has been dropped a useful 3lbs since his last run. He has to concede weight away all around, but he has won from just 1lb lower in the past, and he hails from a yard still going well, so we will side with him. Catch Bob receives almost two stones from the selection, acts on the ground, and he should be much better for his reappearance run and can get heavily involved this time. Wizard Of Us would have a decent chance on his form of two seasons ago, but he looks plenty high enough in the weights for now and Sam Lord is capable enough in this grade, although recent efforts are far from encouraging. Trafalgar Road is unexposed and worth a market check, but we will side with Hector's Choice.
Hector's Choice (FR) 3-1 (11-11) Tracked leader, ridden and every chance 2 out, kept on but soon held by winner, 2nd of 16, 4 1/2l behind Riverside Theatre (11-4) at Kempton 2m nh nov hdl (4) sft in Jan.
Trafalgar Road (IRE) 100-1 (11-0) Held up, always in rear, no chance after 8th, tailed off, 8th of 17, well behind Bouggler (10-7) at Aintree 2m 4f nov hdl G2 (1) gs in Apr.
Wizard of Us 8-1 (10-3) Chased leaders, weakened 3 out, tailed off, last of 15, well behind Katies Tuitor (11-3) at Market Rasen 2m 1f Listed hcp hdl (1) sft in Jul '08.
Sam Lord 17-2 (11-1) Held up in touch, a close 3rd when blundered and unseated rider 2 out, in a race won by Whisky Magic (11-9) at Carlisle 2m 1f hcp hdl 0-125 (3) gd in Oct, 12 ran.
Catch Bob (IRE) 5-1 (11-0) Held up in rear, not fluent 2nd or 5th, blundered 2 out, tailed off, last of 11, well behind Solway Bay (10-10) at Uttoxeter 2m 6f hcp hdl 0-115 (4) gf in Oct.
Amazing King (IRE) 20-1 (11-8) Held up towards rear, weakened after 3 out, 12th of 13, well behind Nampour (10-12) at Aintree 2m hcp hdl 0-140 (2) gd in Oct.
