held up towards rear, reminders approaching 4 out, headway under pressure 2 out, went 2nd last, kept on under pressure flat
held up towards rear, headway 3 out, led approaching last, ridden out
tracked leaders, led 9th, headed 4 out, weakened quickly approaching 2 out
mid-division, headway to chase leaders 7th, led 4 out, headed next, 2 lengths down and 2nd when slipped badly after 2 out, not recover
tracked leader, led briefly approaching 3rd, lost place 10th, weakened quickly and pulled up before 4 out
mid-division, headway 10th, mistake next, led 3 out, headed approaching last, no extra flat
every chance 4 out, left 2nd briefly after 2 out, 4th and held when blundered last
behind from halfway, tailed off when pulled up before 3 out
mid-division, weakened after 10th, tailed off when pulled up before 3 out
in touch, headway 6th, pushed along 9th, outpaced after 4 out
mid-division, pushed along and dropped rear halfway, soon behind
in touch, mistake 3rd, pushed along 7th, lost place 10th, weakened 4 out
held up in rear, mistake 4th, headway under pressure after 4 out, stayed on one pace from 2 out
This looks wide open but the trio of Jordan's Ridge, Taakid and Dominikus should all make their presence felt, with the latter taken to defy topweight. Ferdy Murphy's six-year-old still has the scope to progress further and is coming to hand, based on his two latest efforts. He has won twice here over hurdles and has been placed a couple of times as well. Chasing was always going to be his game though, and he will not be long in making his mark. Jordan's Ridge likes it here as well, and indeed was a winner over two miles recently. The step up in trip should not be a problem and he too is on the short-list. Taakid is yet another course winner but his latest success came at Southwell. Sue Smith's charge will be dangerous as will Pharbeitfrome, although he looks held on the formbook by Jordan's Ridge. All in all, a close one to call, but as stated earlier, Dominikus gets the vote.