in touch, headway 7th, effort when blundered 4 out, soon ridden and no impression
led, headed 3rd, remain close up, mistake 7th, soon weaken
tracked leader, led 3rd, made rest, left clear last
mid-division, mistake 1st, pushed along 6 out, no impression
in touch to half way, soon behind
towards rear, headway after 5 out, ridden and no impression from next
held up in midfield, headway 6th to track leaders, mistake next, effort 4 out, soon one pace, left 3rd last
tracked leaders, blundered 4th, effort 4 out, 2 lengths down when fell last
held up in rear, fell 4th
A very competitive event in which Midlem Melody gets a narrow vote over Ceresfield, Winter Garden and Darnley. The selection gets the vote by virtue of being a course and distance winner who is just four pounds above a winning mark today. With Graham Lee booked, he will not lack for assistance from the saddle and, although we are not brimming with confidence, we think that she can land the spoils. Darnley jumped well when a slightly fortunate winner on his chasing debut but, although promising, the handicapper has not been easy on him. Ceresfield ran well at Catterick last time after a break and comes into the reckoning if fully primed now. If Workaway's blood vessel problems are behind him, he also warrants respect on this faster going, while Arctic Lagoon, who is still only five, comes right into the argument on his best form, so long as he does not get done for toe on this quicker going. Winter Garden remains consistent and Compadre probably has better to come but, overall, on this occasion, we'll side with Midlem Melody.