held up, headway 7th, led 3 out, driven out
tracked leader, led 8th, headed 3 out, stayed on flat
in touch, ridden over 3 out, outpaced approaching next, driven and stayed on flat
in touch, outpaced 4 out, rallied approaching last, ran on close home
raced keen, led, jumped slowly and headed 8th, behind next, pulled up before 2 out
Course winner Terdad comes here fit and well and can win again. The ability to stay this extended trip and act on the going are important in this race, and the selection has ticks in all the right boxes. Montel Girl has to be respected. She returned this season with a handicap win at Worcester, for which she has been raised seven pounds. Her rider takes off five pounds, which should help, and she looks set to go well. She finished second at Newton Abbot last time and the winner of that race has won since. Ray Source, a dual Southwell winner, has had only one run since December 2001, and the form of Excellent Vibes win at Uttoxeter at June has a doubtful look to it. Little Sky comes here fit from the Flat but, despite showing some ability in Lingfield maiden last time, overall has looked modest. For us then, it's Terdad to get the better of Montel Girl.
