raced keen, with leader, led after 6, headed 2 out, no chance run in
held up towards rear, headway approaching 2 out, soon ridden and effort, weakened approaching last
in touch, ridden 2 out, soon one pace
held up towards rear, ridden 2 out, no impression
led, headed after 6, led again 2 out, comfortably
tracked leaders, ridden 2 out, soon outpaced
Valeureux has an absence from the winter game to overcome, but if not ring-rusty, should outclass the opposition, the best of whom could be Rival Bidder. Valeureux has not raced over timber since third to Spree Vision at Newcastle 18 months ago, but has been kept busy on the Flat. He was given a small rest before returning to run a brave second in an amateurs event at Ayr last month and is strongly fancied to oblige. Connections were pleasantly surprised when Rival Bidder popped in at Worcester as he had been out in a filed since being bought. There should be more to come but he does have a penalty to overcome. The rest are clearly moderate at best, and Valeureux is the call.