held up, ridden and headway approaching 3 out, stayed on to go 2nd at last, not reach winner
in touch, went 2nd 4 out, ridden 3 out, weakened flat
prominent, led after 7th, mistake 2 out, driven out
chased leaders, ridden approaching 3 out, soon one-paced
held up in rear, headway 6th, ridden 3 out, weakened approaching last
held up in rear, headway 4 out, ridden next, weakened 2 out
mid-division, headway 4 out, ridden approaching 3 out, soon weakened
mid-division, never nearer
prominent, led 3rd, headed after 7th, weakened next
in touch, ridden and lost place after 6th, tailed off and pulled up before 3 out
behind from 3rd, tailed off and pulled up before 3 out
led to 3rd, ridden after 7th, weakened 4 out
always behind
A fairly competitive opener with a number of in-form rivals in opposition including Central Committee who is the TEAMtalk selection to complete a hat-trick. The Richard Phillips-trained gelding has displayed a most willing attitude to land competitive handicaps at Bangor and Sedgefield this term and shapes as though there could be more to come over this longer trip. Sadler's Secret stays this trip well and also comes here in top form having notched a har fought victory over 2m4f at Haydock last time but may struggle to defy a subsequent 4lb rise. The Lyme Volunteer has been a model of consistency this term and has place claims once again but last month's Exeter winner Lord 'N' Master is now 9lb higher and may be in the handicapper's grip while Step In Silver disappointed on his comeback last month and is best watched.