close up, ridden far out, soon weakened
keen, held up, hit 2nd, headway to chase winner 5th, ridden and led after 3f out, headed approaching 2 out, outpaced by winner approaching last
pulled up, pulled hard, close up, ridden and weakened 5th, pulled up before next
pulled up, held up in rear, weakened 4 out, pulled up before 2 out
led, mistake and headed 3 out, led again approaching 2 out, hung left, clear last, eased run in
close up, ridden 4 out, weakened next
held up, hit 3rd, headway 4th, stayed 6th, soon weakened
More patient tactics and the longer trip can help Cullen Road get back on track and he is marginally preferred over Kitski and Lease Back, who are expected to put up the most resistance. The latter will not be found wanting for assistance from the saddle, as Tony McCoy will be in the plate aboard this French-bred gelding. The champion jockey has a good record when riding for the stable and the market should be monitored closely where his mount in concerned today. However, as his French form is difficult to evaluate in the context of this race, he is probably best watched on ground that might be a little more lively than he may care for. The return to racing right handed for Kitski should be more to his liking than the shocker he put in at Sedgefield last month. His previous form leaves him with solid place claims in this company and he could easily bounce back if he is in the mood. However, Cullen Road appears to be the more straightforward option today and, as an uncomplicated for Mick Fitzgerald to get to grips with, he gets the nomination in a tricky little race to fathom.
