in touch, led approaching 8th, ridden 3 out, left clear last
in touch, ridden 10th, soon weakened
in touch, hit 8th, ridden and weakened 3 out
held up, ridden and weakened 10th
not jumped well, in rear, ridden and headway 10th, chased winner approaching 2 out, one length down when fell last, remounted
led, headed approaching 8th, remained prominent, ridden and weakened approaching 3 out, left 2nd approaching last
This race named in honour of the late Macer Gifford has attracted a good line-up and from our shortlist of Regal Exit, Peccadillo and The Extra Man, we will side with Peccadillo. Looking at the field. Alan King's French import Massac got off the mark at Auteuil back in May but has more on his plate here given his penalty. Peccadillo is a course and distance winner who ran very well when chasing home Gunther McBride at Kempton last time. Expect a big run from him. Kety Star has been a bit disappointing since wining twice last November/ December time and might need some help from the handicapper. Regal Exit is well handicapped on the best of his hurdling form and should at least strip fitter following his Kempton reappearance. Personal Assurance is weighted on a par with the best of his hurdling form but might be slightly better over a longer trip, while The Extra Man, who is also a course and distance scorer, comes here in good heart following a good Uttoxeter success. Even with a seven-pound rise for that effort, he can go well, but we will just side with Peccadillo.
