tracked leader, hit 9th, ridden 12th, weakened 15th
led, headed narrowly 3 out, ridden, led again soon after last, driven out
held up in touch, behind from 12th
held up in touch, reminders 4th, weakened 12th, veered badly left 3 out
held up, headway after 4th, chased winner from 11th, ridden and narrow lead 3 out, edged left after last and soon headed, ran on
tracked leaders to 7th, lost place, weakened and lost touch 12th
Maxie McDonald can defy topweight at the expense of Radcliffe, with Alfred The Grey best of the rest. An interesting little contest sees Maxie McDonald set off on a retrieval mission, having been a little unlucky here last time. The 12-year-old was carried left on the run-in by the eventual winner Zaffamore when holding every chance, and although the general opinion is that he would have been held anyway, he can still go close to adding another course win to his name. He had earlier gained his first victory since 2001 when capturing the Viscount Boyne Memorial Challenge Trophy over three and a half miles here on 9 December, and is obviously in fine fettle despite his advancing years. This drop in grade should help, and as he is relatively lightly-raced this term, he should have plenty in the tank. His main rival appears to be the younger Radcliffe who likes to make the pace and who will appreciate the drop in trip after finishing tired over further at Market Rasen last time. Alfred The Grey gave a good account of himself when second at Plumpton but has to improve again to take a hand, while a watching brief is advised on Harpasgon de L'Ombre who will need another race or two to come to hand. Maxie McDonald is taken to shrug off a 3lb rise in the ratings.
