led to 4th, led again 6th, ridden after 15th, headed and blundered 4 out, kept on one pace
prominent, led 4th, blundered and headed 6th, weakened 14th
soon struggling in rear, took poor 3rd last
started slowly, soon in touch, headway 7th, weakened 14th
tracked leaders, led approaching 4 out, ridden out
A competitive contest despite the lack of numbers and Lord Youky, who made all for a wide margin success at Uttoxeter last week, could well have an easy lead again here and will take plenty of catching. The change in tactics allowing him to bowl along clearly suited and, just 6lbs higher here, he is the one to be with. Lord Seamus is still 10lbs higher than his last winning mark and looks to be in need of some help from the Handicapper, while Spread The Word has been in good form of late at Towcester, but whether this easier track will suit him as much, is debatable. Dante's Battle has been in good form in selling hurdles, winning three of his last five, but was found out when switching back to fences at Stratford. He has plenty to prove as does Tino, who is set to race from out of the handicap. So Lord Youky, with no doubts about the ground or trip looks to have a fine chance to follow up his recent Uttoxeter win.
