held up and behind, ridden to chase leaders 3 out, weakened between last two
always towards rear, never dangerous
chased winner, lost place 5th, soon behind, tailed off and pulled up before 2 out
keen, held up towards rear, took closer order halfway, went 2nd approaching 2 out, kept on, no chance with winner
behind from 6th, tailed off and pulled up before 2 out
in touch, ridden to chase winner approaching 3 out, weakened after next
Another tough handicap rounds of the card and many appear to have chances on their best form including Canada, Anzal, Blackchurch Mist and Haystacks and we will take a chance on Anzal. The five year old won with more in hand than the official margin when defeating Sandywell George last time and he will be hard to beat off what looks a fair mark with conditions again in his favour. Canada rates the main danger but his best form over hurdles of late has come with much more cut in the ground and for that reason he is opposed on this occasion. Blackchurch Mist is another proven in the conditions but he gave the impression the handicapper had caught up with him when fifth behind Captain Zinzan last time. Haystacks is another that could go well but he is another that prefers more cut in the ground so we are happy to stick with Anzal.
