held up in rear, struggling halfway, soon lost touch, tailed off when pulled up before last
held up in rear, mistake 5th, kpt on same pace in between last 2, no impression on leaders
tracked leaders, reminders 3rd, ridden 5th, weakened next
held up in touch, headway & every chance between last 2, soon ridden, one pace flat
midfield, ridden & o.d approaching 2 out, kpt on sme pace in between last 2, no impression on leaders
tracked leaders, ridden 3 out, weakened next
bhd from halfway
held up towards rear, psh along & some headway between last 2, soon no impression
disputed lead, led 5th, headed & weakened quickly between last 2
disputed lead to 5th, ridden approaching next, soon outpaced
held up in touch, pshd along & headway aft 2 out, ridden approaching last, led flat, stayed on
held up in touch, headway approaching 2 out, led between last 2, hung left & headed flat, one pace under pressure
held up towards rear, hdwy & in touch 2 out, ridden & effort approaching last, kept on same pace flat
midfield, ridden 3 out, weakened before next
A difficult opener for punters with not much in terms of positive form to peruse. Arctic Splash was second in a similar event at Newcastle and while Alan Swinbank's yard isn't posting too many winners at present, he could go close despite the concerns about faster ground. Little Les steps up in trip from the Murtagh yard. He is still a maiden over timber but this is his grade. Similar comments apply to Tender Touch, who won over two miles at Kelso but has yet to prove that she conclusively stays the extra half-mile. Cap In Hand is the potential dark horse from the Smith stable. This injury prone 10-year-old has had more than his fair share of problems and doesn't have too many miles on the clock. There is obviously a very good reason for persevering with him so late in the day and any support should be followed.
