mid-division, pushed along and weakened halfway, behind when pulled up before 11th
mid-division, pushed along and lost place halfway, no danger after
towards rear, weakened halfway, tailed off and pulled up after 11th
led, blundered 11th, headed last, one pace under pressure
held up towards rear, pulled up quickly before 8th
soon in touch, chased leader 6th, led last, driven out
chased leaders, outpaced 12th
in touch, headway 12th, outpaced 4 out, rallied approaching last, kept on under pressure flat
Deep Water, Benrajah, Wise Man and Aelred are all shortlisted in this handicap chase and the tentative vote is given to Benrajah. The 7-year-old has been a revelation for his new connections and he ran a fine race when second behind Jacdor last time at Kempton. The only reservation about this gelding would be the drop in trip as he has never won over this short a distance, but he goes well at this track and is in good form at present so is put forward as the nomination. Deep Water was staying on at the finish when defeating Noshinannikin last time so the step up in trip is sure to suit and he will be a big danger to all. Wise Man is in great form and won well when defeating Strong Resolve last time, but he may struggle here to defy a penalty, while Aelred had the race run to suit when beating Man On The Hill at Newcastle. This is a tough race to call and Wise Man and Deep Water are respected, but Benrajah is given as the tentative selection.