led, mistake and headed 7th, soon weakened, behind when pulled up before 9th
chased leader 2nd to 5th, led after 9th, blundered 4 out, headed approaching next, soon no chance with winner
chased leader until blundered 2nd, behind when pulled up after 5th
chased leader 5th, led after 7th, headed after 9th, ridden and weakened approaching 4 out, 4th and beaten when blundered 3 out
soon prominent, ridden approaching 4 out, weakening and beaten when mistakes 2 out and last
held up, behind from 5th, tailed off
pulled hard, in touch, hit 4th, headway 9th, led approaching 3 out, clear last, easily
prominent until 9th, tailed off
Talbot Lad has, rather harshly, been raised 14lbs for win here over half a mile further last time and over today's shorter trip is worth taking on which we do with Venn Ottery, who gets the verdict over Steve Brookshaw's gelding and Runner Bean. The last mentioned is a consistent performer but has paid for that at the hands of the handicapper, who has raised Richard Lee's gelding another 2lbs for his latest effort. Top weight Another Joker has claims despite the burden of 11st 12lbs and is another worthy of a mention, along with Fontwell winner The Alleycat. However, Venn Ottery is hard to oppose. The nine-year-old showed improved form when making a winning start for trainer Paul Nicholls at Leicester last week. Runner-up Tollbrae was not given the best of rides that day but there is no mistaking the fact that Venn Ottery was showing improved form and, off his current mark, he looks the one to be on.