held up in touch, ridden to chase winner approaching 3 out, one pace flat
chased leaders until fell 5th
prominent, not fluent 7th, ridden after next, weakened approaching 3 out
held up, hit 6th, ridden and headway 3 out, weakened flat
chase leader, led 8th, ridden and hung left after 9th, jumped right last 3, hung left flat, driven out
led to 8th ridden after next, no extra flat
Nonrunner
This appears to revolve around Rift Valley and Water King, who fought out a good finish over a slightly shorter trip here last month. A determined effort from Tony McCoy in the saddle aboard Water King won the day on that occasion but we fancy it will be a different outcome over a trip that suits Rift Valley a little better today. It's Definite has to conclusively prove that he stays the trip, but makes the most appeal out of the rest. Water King benefited greatly from the strength of McCoy last time and fully deserved to get his head in front after a series of near misses. However, he has never tried three miles before and now has a bit to prove. Therefore, we switch to Rift Valley this time around. It has been well documented that the gelding's record is a different horse when he races in a visor, as it seems to help his concentration when hit really matters. The extra distance will suit him ideally today and Rift Valley is fancied to register his tenth victory since the experiment with the headgear was first introduced to him.
Idaho d'Ox (FR) 14-1 Behind, ridden and struggling 4th, tailed off and pulled up 5 out in race won by Yes Sir at Sandown 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-140 (B) gs in Apr, 17 ran.
It's Definite (IRE) 7-1 Track leaders, driven along 6th, ridden when hit and weakened 3 out, 8th of 10, 48l behind Native Ivy at Kempton 3m hcp hdl 0-120 (D) sft in Nov.
Count Tony 22-1 Prominent, ridden and weakened approaching 3 out, 7th of 10, 20l behind Commercial Flyer at Exeter 2m 3f hcp hdl 0-125 (D) gd in Apr.
Burundi (IRE) 33-1 Held up, headway after 8th, chased leaders 3 out, weakened last, 5th of 12, 21l behind Water King at Ludlow 2m 5f hcp hdl 0-115 (D) gd in Apr.
Rift Valley (IRE) 4-5fav Chased leaders, led 7th, headed and jumped right 3 out, under prressure and jumped right again final 2, no chance with winner, 2nd of 12, 8l behind Water King at Ludlow 2m 5f hcp hdl 0-115 (D) gd in Apr.
Lord Nellsson 6-1 Led to 3rd, ridden behind leaders 8th, soon weakened and pulled up 3 out in race won by Mesmeric at Taunton 3m hcp hdl 0-120 (D) gd in Dec, 8 ran.
Just Beth 33-1 Held up, headway after 3 out, edged left and kept on flat, not reach leaders, 4th of 17, 5l behind Inch Pride at Cheltenham 2m 5f mrs hcp hdl (A) gd in Apr.
Water King (USA) 5-1 Mid-division, headway approaching 8th, led on bit 3 out, clear approaching last, comfortably, won at Ludlow 2m 5f hcp hdl 0-115 (D) gd in Apr beating Rift Valley by 8l, 12 ran.
