towards rear, headway 6th, ridden 3 out, weakened approaching last
always behind, brought down 7th
chased leaders, ridden after 3 out, weakened from next
chased leaders, led 3 out, ridden and headed next, soon weakened
held up, ridden 3 out, headway next, kept on approaching last, no impression
driven along early, pushed along approaching 9th, ridden 3 out, soon weakened
held up, headway approaching 3 out, soon ridden, led 3 out, headed approaching last, no extra flat
led, headed 3 out, soon ridden, weakened last
headway approaching 6th, ridden after 3 out, kept on flat
always behind
always behind, fell 7th
prominent, 4th when quickly pulled before 5th, dismounted
in touch, ridden 3 out, headway next, kept on well flat
held up, pushed along 7th, headway next, ridden and hit 2 out, led approaching last, kept on well flat
held up, headway approaching 6th, weakened 3 out, pulled up before next
The largest field of the day will line up for this long-distance handicap hurdle, including Sovereign, Orchard Fields and Couloir, but we reckon that Palais is capable of reaching the frame at least. The John Harris inmate made all the running to win over three miles here last August and has only run twice since. He will be all the better for his recent reappearance over the course and distance in which he nearly caused a surprise until lack of fitness told after a seven month absence. Any rain will come in handy, but he will still make a bold bid to make all. Sovereign will probably start favourite on the strength of one or two notable efforts, including when second at Fakenham last time out. she was reportedly going off to the paddocks but is obviously thought capable of scoring again to be lining up here. Orchard Fields has topweight to overcome and the former Jimmy Fitzgerald inmate is described as a temperamental sort, while ex-Irish point-to-point winner Pack Leader looks woefully one-paced. All in all, Palais looks a good each-way option at least.
