in touch, ridden over 4f out, weakening when not much room over 3 out
behind, ridden and headway over 3f out, not clear run just inside final furlong, kept on
behind from halfway
started slowly, always towards rear
towards rear, ridden and headway over 3f out, not clear run 2f out, kept on one pace
behind, ridden over 4f out, kept on from over 1f out, never dangerous
mid-division, headway over 5f out, ridden to go 2nd 2f out, never troubled winner
always towards rear
dwelt, soon chasing leaders, ridden 4f out, weakened over 3f out
prominent, led over 3f out, ridden clear over 1f out, comfortably
mid-division, hampered and last place after 2f, soon behind
chased leaders, ridden and every chance over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
held up, headway over 3f out, soon ridden, edged left 1f out, kept on
led, headed 6f out, ridden and every chance 3f out, weakened over 1f out
dwelt, soon mid-division, ridden over 3f out, kept on one pace
prominent, led 6f out, ridden and headed 3f out, weakened over 2f out
in touch, ridden over 3f out, weakened over 2f out
mid-division, headway over 3f out, soon ridden, weakened over 2f out
The step up to this trip was not a problem for Straw Bear last time and he is fancied to confirm his superiority over Trouble Mountain in spite of his 6lb penalty. Cruise Director and Templet are others for the shortlist and both have sound chances of at least making the frame. The latter is still unexposed at the trip and brings good battling qualities to the table with his challenge. However, he was slightly disappointing last time and could be vulnerable in a finish. Cruise Director ran a blinder when second at York and will be a tough customer to deal with if in the same frame of mind. The ground should not be a problem for him and he is one to monitor carefully in the betting. Nevertheless, Straw Bear makes slightly more appeal, as he is still open to stacks more improvement and, when consideration of Sir Mark Prescott's recent form is taken into account, his claims are to hard to resist this afternoon.