set steady pace to 6th, headed 3 out, weakened before next
pressed leader, led 3 out, stayed on well from next
not jump well, pulled hard in rear, mistake, lost touch from 8th
held up, mistake 5th, struggling from 8th
in touch until well behind from 8th
in touch until weakened from 9th
in touch, challenged from 9th, every chance 3 out, disputing 4 lengths 2nd and held when blundered badly last
held up, pecked 5th, mistake next weakened 8th
pulled hard, tracked leaders, ridden approaching 9th, soon weakened
took keen hold in touch, headway from 3 out, chased winner approaching next, one pace and no impression before last, kept on well for 2nd
in touch, weakened approaching 3 out, 5th and no chance when mistaken 2 out
This could be quite an informative contest but East Hill is on the crest of a wave at present and holds solid claims as he bids to follow up last weeks victory at Bangor - despite being burdened with a 5lb penalty. The similarly penalised, Gigs Bounty, hails from an in-form yard and will not make it easy for the selection though and this could go right down to the wire. Intymcginty is another to consider for each way players as he has left the impression that there are races to be won with him on more than one occasion in the past. However, as he is yet to really prove his resolution in a battle, it may be prudent to stick with the two with recent winning form and East Hill, as the more experienced, looks to be the safest option today. The Leon Best gelding was not asked a serious question once the race was secure last week as he simply galloped his rivals into submission with a very dominant display. East Hill's penalty does make this a little harder, but he has plenty of scope for the future and looks to be one to keep on the right side of for now.
