in touch, ridden and led 2f out, headed close home, kept on
tracked leaders, ridden and led briefly 3f out, soon weakened
tracked leaders, ridden over 3f out, weakened over 1f out
tracked leader, ridden over 3f out, weakened over 1f out
slowly into stride, always behind
led, ridden over 3f out, soon headed, rallied well under pressure to lead again close home
slowly into stride, behind, headway over 4 out, soon ridden, kept on one pace
With Brian Ellison's yard in great form over the past few days, it is hard to escape the claims of Conquering Love who is taken to beat the other topweight Cita Verda, with Tiyoun and Niagara expected to be in the shake-up as well. Conquering Love has won twice over the course and distance since leaving Michael Bell's yard and there was a lot to like about his latest track victory. Having finished runner-up over two furlongs longer here on his seasonal reappearance, he looked harshly treated in being given a 5lb rise, but proved the handicapper right by getting the better of a battle with Trouble Mountain. Obviously he has gone up in the weights again, but goes so well at the Scottish track that he must surely take the beating, especially with his apprentice taking weight off his back. Cita Verda would appreciate some rain but will be fit enough, having run in the Swinton Hurdle after scoring at Haydock on the level in March. Silvertown is an interesting contender, coming from a stable better known for their jumping exploits and the booking of Kevin Darley catches the eye.
