held up in 3rd, led 2 out, soon ridden, kept on from last
with leader, mistake 3rd, ridden and outpaced 2 out, kept on approaching last
led, headed 2 out, soon ridden and weakened
held up in rear, smooth headway to chase winner after 2 out, soon ridden, one pace
Despite not being too keen on the phrase 'penalty kick' when it comes to jump racing, Manoubi surely represents one in this poor contest, with Hestherelad and Neven others to consider for the minors. Manoubi has by far the best form on offer here, being rated 81 on the Flat, and achieving 96 over hurdles when a six length winner over 2m 5f here in June with similar underfoot conditions. He seems to go on anything with good in the description, and so this will again suit and he should be up to dropping back in trip and still winning this comfortably. Neven is rated over a stone below the selection and receives only half that in weight, which should not be nearly enough. Lucinda Russell's five-year-old should not mind the ground but has been beaten a long way in his last three starts, so a win would be a shock, but if he runs his race he will probably make the frame. However, Hestherelad could be the one for the forecast. The gelding made a big improvement at Market Rasen last time, when the penny finally appeared to drop, and with perhaps more to come he can chase home the selection, who must be Manoubi.
