tracked leaders, led approaching 2 out, jumped left last, kept on well, ridden out
prominent, led 3rd, ridden and headed after 3 out, kept on same pace
led until 3rd, chased leaders from next, hit 7th, soon ridden, kept on same pace
held up in touch, not fluent 7th, soon ridden, weakened next
chased leaders until weakened approaching 3 out
held up in touch, headway to chase leaders after 3 out, soon ridden, weakened
This look like a match between Harbour Bound and Manx Royal, with the vote going to Manx Royal. The selection was pitched in at the deep end on his debut when eventually pulled up in a Grade 1 contest at Aintree. He returned this season with a clear-cut victory at Uttoxeter, a performance that marked him down as one to follow. With very little in the way of opposition today, he looks the one to be on. Harbour Bound caused a surprise when showing much-improved form to beat the Pipe-trained Tonic du Charmil over a shorter trip here last time and holds claims based on that effort. Connections put that improved performance down to quicker underfoot conditions so you would think that he would need the same today to show his best form. However, we reckon that Martin Pipe and Timmy Murphy look set for take their revenge today with the selection, Manx Royal.
