took keen hold, held up behind leaders, going well enough 6f out, ridden and beaten 4f out
led after 2f, headed narrowly 8f out, led again over 6f out, shaken up and drew clear inside final 2f, eased near finish
led for 2f, stayed prominent, pushed along 8f out, ridden and beaten final 3f
always prominent, led narrowly 8f out to over 6f out, chased winner after, ridden 4f out, outpaced and no chance inside final 2f, but kept on to hold clear second
held up last, tailed off final 6f
took keen hold in touch until outpaced and well behind final 7f
whipped round start, refused to race and took no part
Golden Duck can break his duck at the expense of Bubba Boy and Beluga. Second in a Chepstow race, the performance was a fair one although he did not consent to help his rider by hanging markedly in the closing stage. With Nigel Twiston-Davies' yard in such barnstorming form, it seems almost beyond the pale to oppose him. Bubba Boy was clear of all bar the winner on fast ground at Exeter. He should pay his way over hurdles. Beluga has to reverse form with our selection although Mark Pitman's supporters will note that the yard had a decent winner in this sphere last week. Of the remainder, Oscar Bill has shown a modicum of ability in the past although he will be very much open to question by lesser exposed opposition. Golden Duck gets our vote in the bumper.