held up in touch, headway over 4f out, effort and chance over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
held up in rear, headway over 5f out, every chance on stands rail over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
held up in mid-division, headway 7f out, effort over 4f out, weakened over 2f out
tracked leaders, led over 5f out, headed over 1f out, not pace of winner
held up in rear, headway over 3f out, led on bit over 1f out, ran on well
mid-division, pushed along halfway, soon beaten
tracked leaders, ridden and weakened over 4f out
mid-division, headway halfway, ridden over 3f out, soon weakened
held up in touch, ridden and weakened over 6f out
pulled hard towards rear, headway halfway, effort over 3f out, no extra final 2f
mid-division, headway under pressure over 4f out, effort over 3f out, one pace final 2f
led, headed over 5f out, weakened over 3f out
The Collector is only a tentative choice in the bumper, with Raven's Last, Champagne Lou Lou and Jonny's Kick other promising sorts worth a mention. The Collector has been absent since making his debut for Martin Pipe at Chepstow in October, and has since changed stables. He must have shown something at home to have been sent off as favourite for that contest, and so has obvious claims here, providing he is fit enough. Richard Philips has yet to hit top form but it is interesting that he sends Raven's Last on the journey up from Addlestrop, and Richard Johnson is an eye catching booking. Champagne Lou Lou stayed on well from off the pace when sixth on her Haydock bow and looks to have a bright future when sent over hurdles, given her breeding. Jonny's Kick was given a quiet introduction at Wetherby 18 days ago, losing his place from half way in the soft ground. These conditions will test him, and indeed the rest of them, and only a small interest in the selection The Collector, is recommended.
