tracked leaders, led 3 out, clear between last 2 comfortably
blundered and unseated rider 1st
chased leaders, pushed along approaching 3 out, soon outpaced
mid-division, struggling 8th, weakened next
held up in touch, headway to chase winner 2 out, soon no chance
led, headed 3 out, weakened between last 2
prominent to halfway, soon behind
behind, soon lost touch, tailed off and pulled up before 9th
held up towards rear, weakened after 3 out
Previous winners Wild Cane Ridge and Celtic Blaze should fight out the finish here, and the vote goes to the last named. Brian Rothwell's five-year-old bounced back to winning form at Wetherby last time beating a decent field of novices.He probably does save his best form for the Yorkshire track, but nevertheless looks to hold strong claims here. Johnny's Kick was beaten thirteen lengths by the selection last time so should have little chance of reversing the form, but could get into the places. So the main threat should come from Wild Cane Ridge, who has yet to finish out of the first two. His recent victory Carlisle was most impressive, although it wasn't a very strong event. Still, he is a horse with plenty of potential and should be the one to bustle up Celtic Blaze, who is, on this occasion our confident choice.
