tracked leader, mistake 3rd, ridden and weakened 4 out
held up towards rear, headway 5 out to chase leaders, soon ridden, one pace from 3 out
pulled hard in mid-division, ridden after 5 out, soon weakened
towards rear, pushed along and headway after 5 out, brief effort 4 out, weakened next
tracked leaders, ridden 4 out, weakened after 3 out
led, ridden and headed 2 out, every chance last, kept on under pressure
held up in rear, mistake 3rd, fell 6th
Quite a competitive handicap chase where Mexican holds strong claims and can get the better of Gaucho and Young Chevalier. Micky Hammond's charge was too bad to be true at Catterick last time when beaten coming off the home turn. His previous effort at the same track was most impressive, beating some moderate rivals in fine style. Today's rivals are of a similar standard and he can bounce back to winning ways. Top-weight Gaucho takes on handicap-company for the first time following two decent efforts in beginners events. He hasn't been harshly treated and is certain to be in the shake-up. Young Chevalier came up against a decent type at Kelso last time and was well beaten, but he was clear second best and can make his presence felt here today. True Rose and Polished are others who have shown enough ability to warrant a mention, but in a very tricky affair we will just side with Mexican.