led and keen, headed briefly approaching 4th, headed and weakened 8th, pulled up before 2 out
close up, hit 7th, led on bit 2 out, ridden approaching last, kept on
always rear, lost touch 4 out, pulled up before 2 out
held up in touch, ridden 4 out, held, but stayed on to chase winner flat
in touch, led 5 out, ridden when headed approaching 2 out, one pace
held up rear, ridden from 7th, well behind from 3 out
tracked leader, led briefly approaching 4th, reminders next, ridden to chase leader 3 out, weakened soon after
A poor contest that should take little winning and preference is for Mantilla over Grey Ciseaux while Aliabad looks best of the remainder. The Ian Williams-trained mare has proved a model of consistency of late and has twice run well in defeat since landing a Fontwell handicap in August. The daughter of Son Pardo is 5lb higher but takes a drop in grade and should prove too strong for her rivals. Grey Ciseaux has held his form well in similar company of late but isn't the easiest of rides and will test Tony McCoy's talents to the limit. Aliabad is on a long losing sequence and has been below his best of late but may still prove capable of reaching the frame in a weak affair.