raced wide tracked leader, hit 4 out, not fluent next, joined leader when hit 2 out and last, pushed along to lead towards finish, readily
tracked leaders, pushed along approaching 2 out, ridden and kept on one pace
led, hit 3 out, pushed along and joined 2 out, ridden and headed towards finish
A very poor turnout for a nice prize. The four-year-old PETIT TONNERRE completed a double in very testing conditions in France last summer so the ground will be in his favour. Serious Ego last won a race on heavy going at Haydock just over a year ago but he hasn't been in the best of form while Presuming Ed's two course victories at the end of last year came in minor company including a selling handicap.
Petit Tonnerre (FR) 2-1 (10-10) Held up in rear, steady headway from 2 out, led last, ridden and kept on, won at Compiegne 2m 1f hvy in Sep beating Heart Wood (10-10) by 3l, 8 ran.
Serious Ego (GER) 12-1 (10-11) Midfield, pushed along before last (usual 2 out), made no impression, 5th of 6, 20 1/4l behind Stainsby Girl (11-0) at Kelso 2m hcp (3) gs in Jan.
Presuming Ed (IRE) 5-1 (10-8) Led, ridden and joined 2 out, not fluent and headed last, stayed on, held close home, 2nd of 7, 1/2l behind Lively Citizen (11-6) at Leicester 2m hcp (3) sft in Feb.
