in touch, led 3rd to next, outpaced from 7th, behind from 3 out
chased leaders, mistake 7th, ridden and lost 4 out, behind when pulled up before 2 out
chased leaders to 4th, jumped slowly and lost touch from 7th, tailed off from 3 out
held up, ridden approaching 3 out, kept on, no impression
held up, close up from 6th, every chance approaching 3 out, soon ridden, weakening when mistake last
chased leader, ridden 3 out, stayed on under pressure from next, not reach winner
Gayles And Showers rarely runs a bad race for his trainer Sue Bradburne and although capable on this surface and at this track the return to an extended two miles is a worry and he could be opposable here. TEAMtalk opt for the consistent hurdler/chaser Xaipete who looks on a handy mark (on 108 though has won off 120). With a good amateur taking a few pounds off his back this popular gelding can go very close for his in-form trainer at a distance which has proved his optimum. The Negotiator failed to communicate his ability on his final two runs of last season but had previously shown a good level of form winning at Ayr and Wetherby. If returning to that sort of form he can run well here (has run well fresh in the past). Mr Bossman was another who showed consistency last season but this term he has been disappointing and may be best watched today. Premier Drive was a three-time winner last year but this trip looks on the short side and a last time out fall will not have helped his confidence.
