prominent, led 4th, ridden and headed 3 out, weakening when mistake 2 out
always behind
track leaders, led 3 out, ridden out
soon behind, tailed off when carried out last
prominent, ridden to chase winner 2 out, stayed on towards finish
led, hit and headed 4th, ridden 3 out, beaten next
mid-division, ridden and headway after 5th, weakened after next
held up, headway 5th, ridden and approaching 2 out, hit last, no extra flat
mid-division, headway 5th, ridden and approaching 3 out, soon weakened tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
held up, headway 5th, weakened next, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
keen, track leaders, ridden 5th, soon weakened, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
Nonrunner
A very tricky finale that may fall to Vigoureux, with Dunraven and Forbearing just two of many dangers. The ex-French trained gelding has steadily been finding his feet in this country and showed improved form to finish a close up fourth behind Beauly at Warwick in December. If the progression continues he has an obvious chance here. Dunraven only won a seller last time but he did carry a massive weight, he gets into today's race on a fair mark and should go close in his follow up bid. Forbearing was an in and out performer for Sir Mark Prescott on the level and appears to have carried the same problem into his hurdling career, however if on a going day, as he was when landing a decent prize atTaunton, he will be a danger to all. As we mentioned there are dangers everywhere including Lunar Lord and Touch Closer, so it is with not too much confidence that Vigoureux is selected.