chased leaders, ridden after 4 out, one pace from next
tracked leaders, ridden approaching 13th, weakened approaching 4 out
held up and jumped slowly, headway 10th, ridden approaching 3 out, led 2 out, driven out
with leader, led 3rd to 5th, remained prominent until weakened 4 out
held up in touch, weakened approaching 3 out
driven and struggling from 9th, tailed off when pulled up before 4 out
always behind, tailed off when pulled up after 13th
led to 3rd, chased leaders, weakened 4 out
tracked leaders, led 5th, mistake 8th, jumped right next, blundered 4 out, ridden and headed 2 out, kept on
in touch, took closer order 6 out, ridden after 4 out, kept same pace from next
held up, pushed along approaching 6th, never dangerous
This could develop into a real old slog, especially if the rains come, but Supreme Breeze's win at Hexham last time marked him out as an ideal type for this and he can follow up from Capybara and Heidi III. The selection is 5lb worse off at the weights with Capybara, and on a strict interpretation of that his opponent could turns the tables. But Sue Smith's gelding relished that stiff test, travelled well, and looked like he would be capable of pulling out the extra required here. Capybara was off the bit for a long way that day and doesn't have any sort of gear change, though he jumps and stays well. He should be on the short list for anyone here, but he may just be done on the run-in. Heidi III is still only 10 years old, despite seemingly being around forever. He has plenty of form in better races than this under his belt, though he is on the slide and looks to be held at these weights today. Course winner Waterberg becomes more appealing dropping down the handicap, but this might be a bit competitive for him and we take Supreme Breeze to score.
