led, headed 4th, led again 7th, hard ridden and headed 2 out, no extra flat
held up and keen, ridden 3 out, soon weakened
tracked leaders, joined leaders 3 out, ridden and weakened approaching 2 out
took keen hold in rear, hit 1st, tailed off and pulled up before last
tracked leaders, ridden after 3 out, weakened next
held up behind, weakened after 3 out, tailed off
with leader, led 4th, headed 7th, soon weakened
held up towards rear, headway approaching 3 out, hit and led 2 out, ridden clear flat
This looks a two-horse race, with Samby taken to defy a rise against Meggie's Lad. The rest are best watched. Oliver Sherwood's fortunes have taken an upturn this season, and his runners should be followed at present. With that in mind, there is no reason why Samby should not add to his Towcester success over his main rival, despite a four-pound turnaround in the weights. Samby lined up there on the back of Folkestone bumper win in March, but looked fit enough and jumped well as he outstayed Meggie's Lad. The latter was also having his first outing since March and shaped well enough, but like his mother Mossy Fern, will come into his own when sent over fences. However, with Tony McCoy in the saddle, Samby is much preferred, and is a confident selection to follow up. Of the rest, Eshbran Lad comes from a top yard and will be found suitable opportunities in time, but faces a tall order on his return. Samby is the one to be on.