held up, headway approaching 6th, travelling well 3 out, led approaching last, jumped right, ran on
held up mid-division, progress 6th, mistake next, ridden 3 out, soon weakened, behind when pulled up 2 out
led early, chased leaders, weakened 4 out, behind when pulled up 2 out
tracked leaders, ridden 3 out, one pace from next
held up, headway approaching 6th, led 4 out, ridden and headed approaching last, one pace
behind, reminders approaching 4th, soon beaten
led after 1st, ridden and headed 4 out, weakened after 3 out
Ashley Marsh is taken to score over Pangeran and Meltonian, with Courtledge in with a bit of a chance as well. This has the makings of a closely-run affair but the fact that Tom George has his stable ticking over nicely at present augurs well for the chance of Ashley Marsh who was second to Saby on his debut over fences at Newton Abbot three weeks ago. Although firmly put in his place by the Philip Hobbs hotpot that day, it was still a marked improvement on anything that he had shown previously, and a mark of 73 may turn out to be fair. Former hunter-chaser Pangeran failed to withstand the challenge of the Hearty Joker at Towcester and now drops back in trip. That may not be a wise move, but a win for the latter earlier on this card this evening would certainly mean that he should not be dismissed lightly. Tony McCoy partners Meltonian who has his fair share of weight, as does last year's winner Runner Bean, and Courtledge makes more appeal as he has been placed twice of late. However, we shall take a chance on Ashley Marsh at what could be a decent price.
