chased leaders, ridden 2 out, kept on one pace under pressure from last
chased leaders, hit 8th, mistake 10th, ridden next, weakened approaching last
jumped slowly and behind 2nd, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
always behind, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
towards rear, headway 11th, outpaced 2 out, stayed on well under pressure to go 2nd flat, no chance with winner
with leader, led 2nd to 5th, remained in touch, led again 9th, driven clear flat, easily
always behind, ridden halfway, tailed off when blundered 10th, pulled up before next
mid-division, mistake 13th, ridden next, no chance when blundered last
behind, ridden 8th, tailed off when pulled up before last
keen, chased leaders, mistake 13th, ridden to chase winner approaching last, weakened flat
with leaders to 10th, soon weakened, tailed off when pulled up before last
mid-division, lost place 7th, tailed off from 2 out
chased leaders to halfway, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
led, mistake and headed 2nd, led again 5th to 9th, chased winner, hit 2 out, weakened flat
chased leaders, lost place 4 out, soon behind, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
A competitive field goes to post for this novices chase with The Laird's Entry and Grattan Lodge the main protagonists, and the vote goes to the latter. The gelding from the Howard Johnson yard could not be in better form and won with plenty to spare when defeating Sireric last time out at Carlisle. That was his fourth win in a row but he looks the type who has not stopped improving and he could be worth following once again. The Laird's Entry is the main danger and this gelding from the Len Lungo yard was a good second behind Wise Man at Ayr last time. He is sure to improve for that run, and with conditions to suit he will not be far away at the finish. Artic Lagoon has excellent place claims as this gelding is in good heart at present and has been placed on each of his last three starts. He will have to improve to trouble the principles but he is sure to once again run his race. Atlantic Crossing would have definite chances on his best form but he is an unreliable sort who has failed to complete on three of his last four starts so can't be supported with any real confidence. Smudger Smith is the other worthy of consideration on the pick of his form from last season, but he has yet to reproduce that level this season so is opposed for that reason. This looks a decent race, but we are happy to give our vote to the bang in-form Grattan Lodge.
