held up, ridden over 3f out, stayed on final furlong, never nearer
led early, tracked leader, ridden 2f out, every chance inside final furlong, no extra towards finish
soon led, quickened 4f out, soon ridden, edged right over 1f out, soon headed, weakened inside final furlong
held up, ridden and headway over 2f out, led inside final furlong, ran on
keen, tracked leaders, ridden over 2f out, led 1f out, headed and not quicken inside final furlong
With Devant yet to prove his ability over 10 furlongs and Pure Mischief seemingly in the grip of the handicapper the vote here goes to Trouble Mountain, who has plenty in his favour. Mick Easterby's gelding ran up to his handicap mark when second following a two-month break over course and distance last week and has form on a soft surface so is the logical choice. Slalom is less exposed than most but has yet to prove his effectiveness over the trip or an ability to handle the ground. Similar comments apply to Pat Haslam's Alpine Special, although there is no reason on pedigree to suggest that either of the pair should not go on the ground. Pure Mischief has shot up in the weights after three wins in handicaps and faces a more difficult task now and of more interest may be the Michael Jarvis-trained Devant, who is unexposed over the trip and has winning form on a soft surface. Trouble Mountain has an obvious chance though and gets the vote.
