led 2nd, ridden and headed approaching 3 out, soon one pace
led, mistake 1st, headed next, remained with leader until outpaced after 4 out
tracked leaders, mistake 7th and 8th, dropped rear 12th, weakened quickly and tailed off when pulled up before next
held up in touch, reminder 11th, headway approaching 4 out, ridden to lead before next, stayed on strongly from 2 out
not fluent towards rear, lost touch 4 out
John Rich may be able to get the better of Montebank in a moderate contest. John Rich has been successful in the point-to-point field and made an encouraging if inauspicious start under rules when fourth at Market Rasen just over a month ago. Although not a cast-iron certainty by any means, he should improve enough to take a hand. Ex-Irish Montebank made far too many mistakes on his British debut over the course and distance but that was his first outing since April and his trainer will iron out any kinks. It is hard to fancy any of the rest and in a very uninspiring contest, John Rich gets the vote.
