always in touch, led and mistake 4 out, quickened clear flat, readily
chased leaders until weakened approaching 3 out
held up, headway 6th, ridden approaching 3 out, weakened approaching last
in touch until ridden and weakened approaching 4 out
always behind, tailed off when pulled up before 4 out
in touch, headway and effort approaching 4 out, kept on, no chance with winner
mid-division until weakened approaching 4 out, pulled up before last
led, headed 5th, soon lost place
chased leaders, led after 7th, headed next, kept on same pace
prominent, led 3rd to 6th, soon beaten
always behind, pulled up before last
in touch to 6th, tailed off when pulled up before 4 out
never troubled leaders, kept on same pace from 4 out
behind from 5th
always behind, tailed off when pulled up before 4 out
chased leaders to 6th, behind when pulled up before last
prominent, disputed 3rd to 7th, weakened quickly when pulled up before 4 out
Named after one of the great stylists of jump-race riding in the 1960s and 70s, this contest lets us look at the potential jockey stars of tomorrow. A number of modest performers in this contest but, also, one or two that are not exposed at present. The lightly raced Ballywalter has shown some promise but it would be difficult to make a confident case for him. Jonjo O'Neill's Celtic Dancer has the first-time blinkers on but both them and the longer trip would need to bring about improvement. Onassis is another that is open to improvement in this type of race and maybe the betting market might provide a few clues. Wartorn has bits of form and could go well. Delphi seems to have lost his way and is tried in a first-time visor (has been beaten in first-time blinkers). Indoux has been raised 11lbs for his Sandown win and that will make life more difficult. Champagne Lil ran reasonably behind easy winner Angel Delight at Kempton last time but the going will be different this time, although she acts on good. Toscanini and Benrajah are others that are open to improvement. Dual winner Admiral Peary should run well if at his best, while King Harald finds himself on top weight almost by default really. For the selection, though, we go for Toby Balding's East Hill, whose best form, on good going, gives him a clear chance, even though, overall, he has been disappointing.
