held up in rear, headway and in touch when blundered 9th, not recover
led, headed 7th, remained prominent, ridden approaching 4 out, weakened next
tracked leader, led 7th to 8th, ridden and every chance approaching 4 out, no extra from 2 out
towards rear, never dangerous
in touch, headway 5th, effort 4 out, one pace from 2 out
tracked leaders, led 8th, hard pressed from 2 out, stayed on gamely
held up in rear, headway 5 out, effort 2 out, every chance last, not quicken run-in
held up towards rear, headway 9th and in touch, mistake 5 out, soon weakened
held up in mid-division, headway approaching 4 out, effort 3 out, weakened after next
in touch, pushed along approaching 5 out, soon outpaced
A number of these hold claims, so our selection, Little Big Horse, will need to work hard to get the better of the likes of Brave Thought and old rival The Nomad if he is to come out on top today. However, the Sue Smith-trained gelding has a big heart for a battle and, considering that he meets The Nomad on the same terms as when comfortably brushing him aside at Market Rasen, the case in favour looks a solid one today. A bigger threat can come from Brave Thought, who arrives in good form and should handle the prevailing conditions. Indeed, Peter Monteith's charge justified favoritism with a degree of purpose here last time and, if he repeats the effort over this longer trip, he should be capable of at least making the frame. Another to have a serious look at in the betting is the top weight Haut De Gamme, who looked useful when winning at Ayr at the start of last month. He does need to improve on his subsequent efforts though and the jury is out as to whether he can bounce back, despite only being 4lb higher today. Nevertheless, Little Big Horse is a consistent sort that has far more experience over British fences and he looks a worthy choice in a race that will place the emphasis on determination for the task in hand.
