tracked leaders, headway 7th, driven to lead 2 out, ridden and headed 2 out, weakened flat
held up, outpaced 4 out, mistake next, soon weakened
tracked leader, lost place 7th, ridden and headway approaching 3 out, stayed on well to lead next, driven clear approaching last, comfortably
led, headed 4 out, ridden approaching 2 out, kept on one pace, no chance with winner
held up in rear, ridden and outpaced 9th, mistake next, behind when pulled up before 11th
A competitive field goes to post for this handicap chase and the main protagonists appear to be Gatorade, Tierkely and Minster York and we will take a chance on Gatorade. The 11 year old has found a new lease of life since joining his present yard and he won with so much in hand over course and distance last time out when defeating Iron Express he is taken to defy his penalty with conditions again in his favour. Tierkely rates the main danger he is one of the least exposed in the field and he won well last time out when defeating Micklow Minster. However that was over a much longer trip and for that reason we will oppose him on this occasion. Minster York is also worthy of respect he could get an easy lead here and he has dropped to a handy mark but his best form is over shorter distances. Of the remainder Bengal Boy could also go well with conditions to suit but he continues to be beset by jumping problems so we are happy to side with Gatorade.