slowly into stride, pushed along in rear, headway to track leaders 4f out, driven over 2f out, chased winner over 1f out, kept on, no chance with winner
led, hung left 5f out, headed over 4f out, soon weakened
tracked leader, led over 4f out, unchallenged after, very easy
pulled hard, close up, chased winner 4f out until over 1f out
A small field for this maiden and Grand Heights is expected to take it in his stride. John Dunlop's charge has been given a break since a fair effort at Haydock and this should be a walk in the park for an animal rated 81. That looks harsh given his failure to win in six starts but he brings a good level of form to the table and connections will be hoping to get this maiden win under his belt. The stable is in fair form and with ground to suit, he will win. Optimistic Alfie is more known for his efforts at around three miles over fences and even those efforts (just one win in 18 starts all told) speak volumes for his limited ability. Pagan Rose takes a step up in trip today which should suit, so better can be expected although she has shown little ability to date. Sharpe Image completes the field and cannot be fancied returning from a break and in woeful form previously, so we have no option to return to Grand Heights as the nomination.
Optimistic Alfie 16-1 (11-10) Led, headed 6th, reminders 8th, weakened 15th, tailed off when refused 2 out in race won by Satco's Deception (11-11) at N Abbot 3m 2f cnd hcp chs (5) gd in Aug, 11 ran (N.Hunt).
Sharpe Image (IRE) 66-1 (9-1) Mid-division, pushed along over 5f out, soon behind, last of 17, well behind Collette's Choice (9-0) at Pontefract 1m 4f 3yo hcp (6) gf in Jul '06.
Grand Heights (IRE) 5-1 (9-3) Tracked leader, ridden to challenge over 2f out, no extra final furlong, 4th of 11, 3 1/2l behind Spice Route (9-3) at Haydock 1m 4f 3yo mdn (5) gd in Apr.
Pagan Rose (IRE) 66-1 (9-0) Always in rear, 12th of 14, 18l behind Angel Kate (9-0) at Sandown 1m 3yo mdn fll (5) gf in Aug.
