pulled hard, soon prominent, weakened approaching 2 out, 4th and no chance when fell last
held up, headway 4th, ridden 5th, weakened 3 out
always prominent, pushed along approaching 5th, ridden and hit 2 out, led flat, stayed on well
held up, headway after 2nd, lost place approaching 5th, no danger after
held up, some headway on outside approaching 5th, lost place before 3 out, no danger after
took keen hold, held up, brief effort after 3 out, soon weakened
led, hit 2 out, soon ridden, headed and no extra flat
chased leader until ridden approaching 2 out, weakened approaching last
Sir Walter comes into this on a hat trick following wins at Worcester and Market Rasen but has been off the track since October and a chance is taken with Qabas, who is preferred to Petanque. The last mentioned often flattered to deceive when with Nicky Henderson and had to be dropped into a selling handicap to win for his new connections. Twice disappointing since then, he is probably best watched today. Dere Lyn holds solid claims on form but would probably want further to show his best form, while Gregorian is slipping to a fair mark but has given little sign of encouragement of late. The vote then goes to Qabas, who may well have needed his latest effort after a two-month break when getting bogged down in the mud at Wincanton and is probably better judged on earlier efforts at Market Rasen and Fontwell, form on which he holds solid claims.
