mid-division, mistake 7th, weakened approaching 8th, behind when pulled up after 9th
always behind, tailed off from 8th
led to 3rd, ridden 6th, weakened 9th
towards rear, ridden and headway approaching 10th, outpaced 2 out, stayed on again flat
mid-division, headway 9th, ridden and every chance 2 out, no extra flat
held up, steady headway 8th, ridden 2 out, weakened approaching last
prominent, ridden approaching 3 out, weakened next
prominent, led 3rd to 6th, ridden after 9th, soon weakened, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
mistake 1st, mid-division, ridden and headway 10th, weakened approaching 2 out
keen hold, mid-division, ridden approaching 10th, soon weakened
mid-division, effort approaching 10th, weakened before next, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
prominent, led 6th, wandered approaching last, hung left flat, driven out
always behind, tailed off when pulled up before 8th
Despite the size of the field few can be seriously fancied and the vote goes to El Hombre Del Rio. Robert Alner's charge was behind Well Then Now Then when the latter scored at Southwell in December but the selection has improved significantly since and has shown enough in recent placed efforts to suggest he can turn the tables on this occasion. The son of Over The River ran particularly well when chasing home a useful yardstick at Kempton last time and can take full advantage of the weight concession from his main market rival. Well Then Now Then had his limitations exposed at Newcastle last time and, although this represents an easier grade, he may struggle under a 7lb penalty. Major Blue and Minsgill Mans have shown some ability over timber but their overall form leaves them with something to find and both will be seen to better effect in handicap company.
