held up, tracked leader 13th, disputed lead 3 out, led 2 out, joined last, not pace of winner flat
held up, headway and chased leaders 3 out, disputed lead last, ridden and drew clear flat
tracked leader, led 10th, joined 3 out, headed 2 out, one pace afterwards
always in rear, struggling halfway, tailed off
led until 10th, weakening when mistake 13th, no chance afterwards
close up, bad mistake 12th, ridden and still in touch 3 out, jumped slow 2 out, weakened
Just a six-runner affair, but an interesting contest nonetheless, and our choice is Spring Grove ahead of Cameron Bridge, Batswing and, maybe, Jalpreuil Malta. Spinning through the runners and Cameron Bridge won this race last year from a six-pound lower mark and proved his wellbeing when scoring at Wincanton last time off a seven-pound lower mark than today. Despite that rise, he still warrants respect. Europa is not the high-class force he once was but is well-weighted on his best 2003 form if managing to turn back the clock. Spring Grove returned from a six-month break to win a valuable handicap at Cheltenham 21 days ago. Even though he has been raised six pounds for that win, he still looks quite well weighted and, having won at this track, looks to be the one they all have to beat. Batswing is very well weighted based on his very good Punchestown win in April 2002 and he ran a fair race at Fontwell last time over a shorter trip than today. Saffron Sun is back to a winning mark now but we feel that Spring Grove has a bit more class than he has, while Jalpreuil Malta could be very interesting as he was highly promising in France and then finished second to Chicuelo on his British debut in March 2003, although he has not been seen on the track since. It would not be a surprise if he was to go well but, for the selection, we return to Spring Grove.
