tracked winner, joined winner after 8, led 12th till 14th, weakened after 3 out, blundered and fell 2 out
led, headed 12th, led again 14th, challenged from 2 out, stayed on flat
tracked leaders, chased winner 16th, driven to challenge and every chance 2 out, weakened flat
held up, ridden 12th, soon behind, pulled up 2 out
held up, ridden 11th, soon behind
held up, behind from 4 out
held up in touch, ridden headway 4 out, kept on to take 2nd flat
Moscow Leader is going the right way and can account for King Bee and Hurlers Cross in a fairly competitive looking contest. Moscow Leader has topweight to overcome thanks to some useful efforts this season, including when scoring for the first time over fences at Carlisle last week. That must have pleased connections as he had taken a heavy fall on his chase debut last November, and had been put over hurdles, winning on a couple of occasions. Jumping was always going to be his game though, and he should progress from now on. King Bee was a first-fence faller in that Carlisle race but had showed promise himself earlier, notably when second to Tipsy Mouse at Haydock. The trip holds no fears for him and Henry Daly's charge will be a popular choice to get the losses back. Hurlers Cross gained his first success over fences at Plumpton a fortnight ago, clearly appreciating the softer ground, and the ex-Jonjo O'Neill inmate is another that can progress, while Ungaretti shapes like an out-and-out stayer and will be running on at the finish. For the winner we return to Moscow Leader who can give weight away all round.
