held up in rear, headway approaching 3 out, every chance 2 out, switched right run in and stayed on strongly to lead towards finish
held up in touch, sprawled badly 1st, headway 3 out, led 2 out, hung left run in, headed towards finish no extra
tracked leaders, pushed along halfway, ridden 4 out soon beaten
not jumped well, led, headed approaching 3rd, remained in touch, mistake 4 out, soon beaten
pulled hard, tracked leader, led approaching 3rd, headed 2 out, one pace under pressure
A small but competitive field goes to post for this contest with Xaipete, Double Blade and Lease the ones to consider, and the vote goes to Xaipete. The selection is from the Norman Mason yard, is game and consistent and goes on any ground. He will appreciate the drop in grade and with useful claimer Lloyd McGrath in the plate taking off 5lb he will be hard to beat. Double Blade is one of the main dangers based on his second behind Lease, but although he often travels well in his races he does have a tendency to find very little off the bridle. Lease showed improved form in that race against Double Blade and there will be very little between them on the revised terms. This race looks more competitive though so we're happy to stick with Xaipete who has plenty in his favour here.
