chased leader, led after 2nd until ridden and headed before 4 out, soon weakened
held up towards rear, lost touch 7th and behind, ridden 11th, headway and stayed on well to go 3rd 2 out, nearest finish
held up last, ridden and headway to chase leaders 4 out, led and mistake 3 out (water), soon clear, driven out
chased leader, joined leader 6th, lost touch 8th, weakened 9th, pulled up before 11th
led to 2nd, chased leader, ridden 11th, soon weakened, pulled up before 4 out
prominent, mistake 3rd, headway and chased leader 11th, challenged 12th, weakened after 4 out
held up in mid-division, headway 11th, led 4 out, ridden and headway 3 out, stayed on same pace
Helvetius has to carry a 7lb penalty for his course and distance success last time but may still be too good for his rivals here including Joe Deane and Bush Park. The last mentioned is slowly dropping to a fair mark but may need more assistance from the handicapper and a bigger threat is likely to come from Joe Deane. Tom George has his string in good form at present and the eight-year-old has run well off similar marks recently so should again be thereabouts. Top weight Penthouse Minstrel now seems to be in the grip of the handicapper, while Lord Strickland has a long absence to overcome so the lightly raced Mister Pearly may be of more interest. The Philip Hobbs-trained Saint Romble has ability but often disappoints and may be best watched in a race that is taken to go to Helvetius.