in touch, ridden approaching 2 out, soon weakened
held up, lost place approaching 3 out, effort approaching next, soon no impression
always towards rear
tracked leader, ridden and led approaching 2 out, kept on
always towards rear
led until ridden and headed approaching 2 out, gradually weakened
tracked leaders, headway to challenge leader when hit 3 out, soon ridden and lost place, kept on to go 2nd approaching last, one pace flat
Raffish gets the vote over the likes of Sinatas, Beaufoy and Tycheros. Raffish has been seen over hurdles before without success, but did us a big favour when scoring on the Flat at York in July, and since then he has continued to give a good account. A close second to Colwyn Bay over 14-furlongs at Salisbury last time, he looks head and shoulders above this lot, and as long as he treats the obstacles with respect, should take all the beating. German import Sinatas has shown little in three starts on the level since joining Peter Monteith, while Beaufoy has only shown a glimmer of ability over timber. Tycheros, a winning stayer on the all-weather, may need further than this over hurdles, but is one of the more likelier candidates for the frame. Raffish stands out on recent Flat form though, and gets a confident vote.
Beaufoy (IRE) 8-1 (11-4) Mid-division, ridden in moderate 7th before 3 out, no impression, 7th of 12, more than 24l behind Lace Your Boots (11-4) at Downpatrick 2m 6f mdn hdl gs.
