took keen hold, soon tracking leaders, quickly pulled up before 5th, dismounted
tracked leaders, led after 3 out, ridden and headed 2 out, chasing winner when switched right over 100 yards out, kept on under pressure towards finish
led, hit 3rd, headed after 3 out, soon ridden, one pace and no impression when hit 2 out
tracked leader, reminders approaching 3 out, soon ridden, one pace and no impression from next
held up, reminders after 6th, last place next, behind when pulled up before 2 out
held up behind, good headway after 3 out, ridden to lead 2 out, kept on well flat all out
Just the six runners are due to line up here but this looks to be little more than a match between Dazzling Rio and Sparkling Water with preference for the latter who's last time out second to Bodfari Creek represents solid form. A useful middle distance performer on the flat when trained by Henry Cecil, the selection has failed to deliver in four starts over timber for new connections but, with his conqueror last time having finished a close third behind Sovereign off a mark of 112 in a decent handicap at Market Rasen recently, the four-year-old looks the pick on form. Dazzling Rio, a winning miler on the level, has yet to show that he stays this far over hurdles and is probably best watched today. The remainder are a distinctly moderate bunch on all known form with Worcester third Cush Jewel probably the pick of them so we are happy to side with Sparkling Water, who may have too much class for his rivals.
