in touch, hit 11th, ridden 5 out weakening after 3 out
tracked leaders lost touch from 13th behind when pulled up before 2 out
held up rear, closer order approaching 5th, pressed winner from 9th, joined leader and going well 3 out, ridden every chance 2 out, ridden and not quicken
held up in touch, mistake 4th, lost place and reminders next, some headway and in 5th when fell 5 out
made all, hit one and two, challenged 3 out, ridden soon after, pushed clear last
held up rear, headway to track leaders 9th, ridden 4 out, weakened 3 out
tracked winner, ridden 8th, weakened 10th lost touch and mistake 14th, well behind when pulled up 2 out
A tight betting heat and marginal preference is for Lucky Clover while General Claremont and Tara-Brogan are others worthy of consideration. Colin Tizzard's gelding is a thorough stayer who goes well on fast ground as he showed when an impressive winner at Newton Abbot last month. The son of Push On ran well in defeat off a 5lb higher mark at Southwell last time and should prove hard to beat in receipt of weight from his main rivals. General Claremont has proved a model of consistency this term but has been struggling to get his head in front and looks firmly in the grip of the handicapper at present. Tara-Brogan developed in to a smart chaser in 2001 but has had his training problems since and doesn't look the force of old judged on his belated comeback so Lucky Clover looks the safest bet.
