held up in rear, mistake and reminder 7th, struggling when blundered and unseated rider 9th
mid-division, outpaced when blundered 10th, no danger after
towards rear, pushed along 8th, outpaced when hampered 2 out, stayed on run in
tracked leaders, reminder 4th, pushed along 3 out, one pace from next
close up, led after 2nd, headed 7th, remained in touch, pushed along approaching 2 out, ridden to lead approaching last, kept on
in touch, pushed along 3 out, close 5th, when fell 2 out
mid-division, headway 7th, effort approaching 2 out, weakened approaching last
led, headed after 2nd, led again 7th, headed approaching last, one pace under pressure
Why The Big Paws gets the vote over Forever Eyesofblue and Huka Lodge, with Fashions Monty not out of things either. Why The Big Paws has major claims after her battling performance at Kelso last time when short-headed by Gargoyle Girl. Richard Guest's mare is a real stayer who has that bit of experience and also course form, having opened her account over fences here in May. That was on fast ground but she does go in testing conditions, and with her pilot claiming 10lbs she looks the one to beat. Forever Eyesofblue is another that will have no problems in the stamina department but he is making his chase debut here so may be best watched. Huka Lodge was pulled up with a slipped saddle on his last start at Perth and also has his first taste of the bigger obstacles. His trainer is a past-master at getting them ready though and he should give a good account. Polar Gunner did not shape too badly until falling at the last on his chase debut at Market Rasen, and will appreciate the drop back in trip, but Fashions Monty is very one-paced, and for the winner we return to Why The Big Paws.
