mistake 6th, headway 3 out, not fluent when led last, driven out
tracked leader, ridden and effort 2 out, beaten when mistake last
led, headed after 2nd, outpaced approaching 3 out
race keen, led after 2nd, mistake 2 out, headed last, every chance until no extra close home
Although four line up, this is in reality a match between Sting Like A Bee and Nautical Star, with the latter's fitness expected to prove decisive. Nautical Star was quite a decent horse on the Flat for John Hills a few years ago, but has gained just the sole victory at Perth since going jumping. That was in selling company, and since then he has not been seen a great deal, his recent second at Sedgefield being his first outing since the previous December. He should be fitter for that and can take care of Sting Like A Bee who has the assistance of the in-form Graham Lee but is without a recent outing and who has to give weight to his main rival. Nautical Star should prove to be the answer here.
