held up, headway to join leaders 7th, ridden 3 out, soon weakened, behind when hampered 2 out, and pulled up before last
chased leaders to 6th, ridden approaching 3 out, weakening when blundered 2 out
keen, led, blundered 3 out, ridden and headed 2 out, stayed on same pace
held up in rear, headway to track leader 6th, ridden to lead, hung right 2 out, driven out
held up, ridden after 7th, soon weakened, took poor 3rd 2 out
held up, ridden approaching 3 out, soon weakened, behind when fell 2 out
An interesting little contest that may see Mr Ed oblige over the reappearing Balladeer and Thumper. Mr Ed has been a grand servant to Peter Bowen on the Flat, but has not had a great deal of experience over timber. That did not stop him being sent off favourite against Toi Express at Exeter recently however, and he so nearly obliged, the pair battling it out close home. Tony McCoy is on board again and he should make a bold bid in this company, as he will find it tougher in handicaps. He gets weight off Thumper here and that should sway things his way, although Jonjo O'Neill's charge did have ability on the Flat for Richard Hannon and has already been successful over hurdles at Worcester. Balladeer would probably have been more fancied had he not been absent since finishing a distance behind Iris's Gift in Grade 1 company at Aintree in April. A classy sort, he should pick up a decent staying contest this winter once the cobwebs have been brushed away. On this occasion though, he may have to give best to the fitter Mr Ed who can recoup recent losses.
