keen hold, made most at steady pace to 3 out, weakened approaching 2 out
pressed leader, slight lead 3 out, headed approaching 2 out, soon outpaced, disputing 3rd and no chance when blundered last
held up last, headway to join leaders after 3rd, every chance 3 out, weakened quickly approaching 2 out, tailed off
tracked leading pair, outpaced and dropped rear 3 out, driven and rallied to lead approaching 2 out, held on well
settled in rear, headway after 3 out, driven to press leaders next, soon outpaced by leading pair
held up in touch, challenged going well and every chance 2 out, soon ridden, stayed on flat but readily held by winner
This is something of a drop in class for Infini, who has been found wanting in his last two outings since winning in this grade back in July. The lack of a recent run isn't a worry and he is sure to go close. Monte Cristo returns to the smaller obstacles, having been put in his place over fences recently. He isn't badly treated on his old form over hurdles and is one to keep an eye on. Last years winner Silk Trader has looked out of sorts of late, but he has slipped to a mark just 3lbs higher than when taking this last year and cannot be left out of calculations, while the lightly raced Lord Native has obviously had problems, but he does have plenty of ability and is not one to dismiss lightly. However, the vote goes to Claude Greengrass, who would have won at Wetherby had he not come to grief at the last.
