held up in mid-division, head way half way, pushed along approaching 3 out,ridden to lead between last 2, stayed on well approaching last.
in touch pushed along approaching 4 out, weakened next.
raced keenly in mid-division, head way half way, lead approaching 2 out, headed approaching last, one pace run-in.
towards rear, outpaced half way
track leaders, ridden to lead briefly approaching last, kept on one pace.
towards rear, outpaced 4 out, keep on one pace from 2 out
towards rear, outpaced 4 out.
with leader, led 7 mistake 3 out. soon headed no extra
with leader, led 7 mistake 3 out, soon headed no extra
led mistake and headed 7, weakened 4 out
Paddy The Piper made it three out of three over hurdles when landing a decent novices' hurdle over course and distance earlier this month and he looks well enough treated for his debut in a handicap to get the vote over Bernardon and Crystal Gift. The last mentioned has shown signs of a return to form this season having missed last term but would ideally want a softer surface so a bigger threat may come from Bernardon. Richard Guest's gelding ran no sort of race in the Imperial Cup two weeks ago but ran much better when a close fourth behind Nowell House at Wetherby earlier this week. Bernardon should again be thereabouts, provided that race has not taken too much out of him. Mindanao, a stablemate of the selection, has disappointed since winning here in April and may want further to show his best form. Silk Trader returned to winning ways when scoring at Sandown last time and has to be respected along with the consistent Bodfari Signet but Paddy The Piper looks progressive and gets the vote.
