held up in touch, improved 4 out, kept on one pace
held up, ridden 4 out, weakened after next
held up, headway 3 out, never troubled leaders
chased leading pair, weakened 3 out
led, soon clear, ridden and headed approaching 3 out, soon weakened
mid-division, behind when pulled up, 3 out
held up, never nearer
with clear leader, led approaching 3 out, soon 5 lengths clear, hit 2 out, jumped left and headed last, no extra
held up, driven and headway after 3 out, hit 2 out, led last, ran on
in touch, chased leader 2 out, soon one pace
chased leaders, weakened 4 out, pulled up before 2 out
held up, steady headway from 2 out, never nearer
behind 5th, pulled up 3 out
pulled up, held up, headway approaching 3 out, pulled up before next
toward rear, never dangerous
Kercabellec has disappointed his supporters lately, but is given another chance here, with Whispered Secret and Crossbow Creek nominated as the main dangers. Kercabellec looked to have a bright future when battling his way to victory at Warwick in November but was pulled up as though something was amiss behind Howle Hill on his Wincanton reappearance. Well backed to make amends at Ludlow last time, he came to grief at halfway and is starting to become a frustrating sort. If he stays upright here though, the six-year-old should make a bold bid to make amends and gets the vote, albeit a tentative one. German Flat winner Whispered Secret has had just the two outings on these shores and ran much too freely on the latest of those at Market Rasen when third to Valeureux. That form is not too bad though and he should improve. Having chased home King Revo on his hurdles debut at Wetherby, Crossbow Creek went one better at Ludlow next time and although like the selection, having a penalty to shoulder, is expected to go well. Cumbrian Knight and Romantic Affair may run well enough without having the pace to get involved, and Nicely Presented has been costly to follow but can only improve. With a clear round though, Kercabellec should prove to be the answer.
