tracked leaders, jumped slowly 5th and lost place, mistake 7th, mistake again 12th, ridden 13th, lost touch from 4 out, bbv
held up tracking leader, left in lead after 3 out, quickened well approaching last, ridden out
led, jumped right home straight, ridden approaching 3 out, blundered and headed 3 out, not recover
tracked leaders until ridden and lost place 10th, behind from 4 out
held up behind, mistake 9th, steady headway from 11th to track leaders, ridden approaching 2 out, chased winner last, kept on but not reach
in touch, headway 10th, tracked leader, joined leader 5 out, ridden and every chance 2 out, not quicken after last
Lord Sam is in great heart at present and is difficult to oppose, so he gets our vote with Native Emperor and Muck Savage shortlisted to chase him home. Lord Sam looked a really smart prospect when defeating Bal de Nuit at Huntingdon last month, and if he continues to progress he looks the type that could go on to string up a sequence of wins. He jumped well on that day and with conditions once again to suit, he is the confident choice. Native Emperor looks the best of the rest and he put in a cracking effort when narrowly beaten by Ballycassidy at Newbury last month. He should go well again but he will not welcome any further rain, as that would put a real question mark over his chances. Muck Savage ran well when springing a surprise by beating Supreme Prince at Exeter last month, so he has to be respected, and if he can show that level of form again he will be in the shake-up at the finish. Garolsa looks the best of the others as he won when returning after a long absence from the track at Plumpton last month, although this looks a more difficult proposition. This looks a fascinating contest with some promising types in opposition, but we are happy to give Lord Sam a confident recommendation.
