held up, headway to chase leader approaching 3 out, led approaching 2 out, ridden out
tracked leader, led 4 out, soon ridden, headed approaching 2 out, no extra approaching last
raced keen, with leader, led 5th to 6th, led again 8th, mistake and headed 4 out, soon weakened
held up in touch, headway 4 out, driven to chase winner 2 out, every chance last, one pace run in
led to 5th, led again to 6th, headed 8th, ridden and weakened before 9th
A small but competitive field goes to post for the first on the card and the principals look to be Champagne Harry, Hurlers Cross and Monsieur Poirot and the confident vote goes to Champagne Harry. The five year old from the Nigle Twiston-Davis yard was a good second under a welter burden of 12 stone 2lbs last time out behind Reasonable Reserve who has since franked the form and a reproduction of that effort would make him hard to beat. Hurlers Cross is a well bred sort from a top yard and the market may prove the best guide as to what is expected. Monsieur Poirot has shown a modicum of ability but he may do better over fences. Quizzical showed improved form to be second in a seller last time out but he needs to improve again to win this so the confident vote goes to Champagne Harry.