held up towards rear, effort approaching 3 out, never dangerous
chased leader, weakening when hit 7th
held up, ridden and behind from 4 out
mid-division, headway approaching 6th, led 2 out, driven out
in touch, took close order after 5th, staying on one pace in 3rd when hit last
in touch, headway 6th, ridden 3 out, stayed on well flat
chased leaders, led after 3 out, headed next, soon ridden, not quicken flat
held up mid-division, headway 7th, lost place next
in rear, good headway 6th, lost place next
chased leaders, ridden approaching 2 out, one pace after
led, clear 3rd, hit next, ridden and headed after 3 out, weakened next
held up, mid-division, some headway 6th, soon weakened
Nonrunner
A very tricky race that closes the card can go to Kitte Ou Double, who has shaped up well since arriving here from France, and Frank Jordan's charge is selected over Must Bite, Almnadia and Fullards, who all have place claims on the pick of their form. It is also worth looking out for support for Pharpost as he reverts to hurdles for the first time in just over two years and has not been faced with an insurmountable task at the weights today. He does however, lack a turn of foot and may find things happening a little quickly for him over a trip just short of his best. So the pendulum swings back to Kitte Ou Double, whose effort behind Steppes Of Gold at Haydock earlier in the season reads very well in the context of this race. The six-year-old proved that he handles cut in the ground when winning a couple of chases over this sort of trip in the French provinces earlier in his career, but has also shown an aptitude for racing in this sphere since joining his current yard. Leighton Aspell is a positive jockey booking for the selection and a bold bid is anticipated from the son of Agent Bleu. Must Bite has a little to prove after failing to deliver when well supported last time. But he is still unexposed and could be the one to capitalise if Kitte Ou Double is a negative from the betting ring.
