held up in rear, headway 4f out, led going well over 1f out, soon clear, easily
always behind, virtually pulled up final furlong
slowly into stride, in rear, headway over wide over 3f out, ran on final furlong
chased clear leaders, ridden and weakened 2f out
disputed lead, headed 5f out, gradually weakened, tailed off
held up in touch, ridden and weakened over 6f out, tailed off
chased clear leaders, led 5f out, ridden and headed over 1f out, no chance with winner
disputed to 5f out, soon ridden and weakened
held up and behind, headway 3f out, kept on one pace final 2f
never better than mid-division
in touch to 2f out, weakened well over 1f out
always behind, tailed off
dwelt and behind early, headway over 2f out, kept on, not trouble leaders
There is a distinct likelihood that this will be run at a false pace and it has all the hallmarks of a race to treat with caution. Male-Ana-Mou is a real blast from the past and his connections were surely dreaming of better things for him after his victory in the Gerry Feilden at Newbury in 2000. However, he has obviously had his problems since and he showed very little in his two outings over hurdles last season. The combination of his advancing years and long absence from the Flat make him one to watch here. Mane Frame also has a similar profile and it is likely that this will not be a true enough test of stamina for him. In contrast, Unsigned and Time To Shine, have plenty to prove at the trip and a watching brief may also be the best policy with them. Therefore this may be best left to Look First, who has a fair strike-rate and is a consistent sort. He already has good course form to his name and, with one of the more promising riders booked for the ride, he can overcome the burden of joint topweight today. Joely Green will be a big danger if he runs up to his recent form and has to be considered for a saver. He may be one to side with next time if all goes well here.
