held up in touch, headway 4 out, weakening when mistake next
tracked leaders, ridden approaching 3 out, effort next, not fluent last, chance flat, no extra towards finish
held up towards rear, outpaced after 4 out, rallied approaching 2 out, stayed on strongly flat to lead post
towards rear, mistake 9th, weakened from next
tracked leader, led approaching 3 out, blundered next, hard ridden flat, headed post
headway and in touch 7th, chased leaders 4 out, ridden and effort next, disputing 3rd when blundered 2 out, no impression after (wore cheek pieces)
Hit Royal won with a little more in hand than the winning margin suggests when he beat Queensway by a length and three quarters at Huntingdon last time out and he is taken to defy his penalty for that victory with conditions again in his favour. Ei Ei won well at Worcester last time out when he beat Kassala by seven lengths, but he had an easy lead throughout on that occasion and he may not get that here, however he likes the course and is a danger to all with conditions in his favour despite top weight. Mighty Strong is another to consider he was a well backed favourite last time out but fell early however he is at the right end of the handicap and is a danger to all if his jumping holds up. Passereau has been running well of late with out winning but gives the impression he may be in the handicappers grip. Damien's Choice ran disappointingly on his debut this season but has had a long break since and his stable has been firing in the winners of late so a market move could be significant. Xaipete ran as if coming back to form last time out and will not be far away if back to his best.