held up in touch, left close 2nd after 4th, headway to dispute lead 5 out, led between last two, pushed out last
close up, took wrong course on bend after 4th
led to 3rd, tracking leaders when carried out on bend after 4th
tracked leaders, led 3rd to 4th, carried out on bend soon after
held up towards rear, left disputing 3rd after 4th, led 7th, headed between last two, no extra flat
tracked leaders, led 4th, took wrong course
towards rear, left disputing 3rd after 4th, struggling 6th, soon lost touch, tailed off from 4 out
held up towards rear, left in lead after 4th, headed 7th, remained in touch, ridden and outpaced approaching 3 out, stayed on approaching last to go 2nd flat, no impression on winner
It would be a fine training feat if Mademist Sam was capable of winning on his first start for 773 days but his trainer is shrewd and would only run him if he was ready. He has the best chase form on offer and could run well at a decent price. The TEAMtalk selection is however Lindajane who was slowly getting the hang of things when the season came to a close earlier in the year. If picking up where she left off she must have an excellent chance of adding to his sole chase victory. Red Rampage ran his usual poor reappearance race at Southwell 27 days ago but should be better prepared on ground he enjoys. The distance may be the main worry here with Norman Mason's gelding seeming to prefer further. Hailstorm is a consistent finisher these days and although the ground is not ideal he should be in the shake up and is a placepot guarantee.
