tracked leaders, ridden 3 out, soon weakened, virtually pulled up
tracked leader, led last, shaken up flat, comfortably
led, ridden 3 out, headed last, soon beaten
held up, headway 4 out, ridden approaching 3 out, weakened next
held up, headway 7th, ridden 3 out, weakened next
held up in rear, hampered 5th, headway 3 out, ridden 2 out, no impression
Having fallen in his last two starts over fences, the Paul Nicholls-trained Asador reverts to the smaller obstacles for what will surely be a confidence booster prior to a return to chasing. Jonjo O'Neill's Inching Closer, off the track since down the field behind Galileo in the Royal & SunAlliance Novices' Hurdle, is entitled to need the run on his reappearance. Alistair Whillans saddles two, Eastern Tribute and Barresbo. The former was a four length winner at Ayr last time and off just a 4lb higher mark has to be respected. However, he does not win very often and slight preference of the two is for Barresbo. A facile winner when allowed a soft lead in a Kelso contest in May, the son of Barrys Gamble has not been seen since and off a 14lb higher mark he faces a stiffer task. Micky Hammond's Deep Water has been on a downward curve for some time, while Totally Scottish appears plenty high enough in the weights. Narrow preference then is for Talarive. The ex-Irish gelding has shown improved form since joining the stable of Peter Niven and, although yet to show he stays this trip, the son of Riverman looks worth following off his low weight.
