chased leaders, weakened from 5 out, pulled up before 2 out, dismounted
chased winner, led 8th, hit 6th out, headed 4 out, soon ridden, weakened approaching 2 out
held up, outpaced 7 out, stayed on from 3 out, never dangerous
made most, headed 8th, remained close up, led again 4 out, pushed out
held up in touch, mistake 4th, weakened 3 out
in touch and mistake, weakened 12th, pulled up before 3 out
in rear, steady headway approaching 7th, ridden and hit 3 out, kept on to chase winner 2 out, one pace
A tricky little race that could develop into a tactical affair. However, Polar Gunner arrives here with his confidence on a high and is selected in preference to Lantern Lad and The Rile. The selection has been consistent at this sort of level since switching to fences last October. He has been kept busy since then and, with two previous victories already under his belt, he is obviously thriving on his racing. Lantern Lad will handle the ground and can pose a few problems on the way. He can normally be relied upon to give his all and the rest will need to be on their mettle today. The Rile has some useful form to his name from his time with Len Lungo but his last few efforts have been below par and he has a bit to prove from top weight. Likewise Mikasa, who races from 4lb out of the handicap and is not hard to overlook this afternoon. Especially when consideration of Polar Gunner's recent form is taken into account and Malcolm Jefferson's charge is taken as the safest option here.
