with leader, led 9th, headed 10th, weakened from 4 out
in touch, took closer order 9th, led next, headed 3 out, every chance 2 out, soon ridden, kept on
held up behind, headway half way, ridden after 4 out, weakened from 2 out
in touch, mistake 3rd, led 8th, headed next, ridden 3 out, hit 2 out when weakening
held up in touch, pushed along approaching 9th, soon lost place
held up, headway half way, weakened 4 out, pulled up before 2 out
towards rear, headway half way, ridden 3 out, weakened next
in touch, led 3 out, ridden after 2 out, kept on well
chased leaders until weakened 4 out
led, headed 8th, remained close up until hit 10th and soon lost place, tailed off when pulled up before 4 out
This is an interesting race, and one named in honour of the late, great trainer Arthur Stephenson, and in it we will opt for Rival Bidder with, in our view, Simlet, Imperial Dream and Case Of Poteen possibly proving to be his biggest dangers. The selection has already won over course and distance, having done so in a Beginners' Chase on July 26. A repeat of that effort gives him solid claims today although we have to add that he has yet to show form on soft. There is no such problem for Case Of Poteen, who has won over hurdles -achieving a rating in the 90s in that sphere - and who should improve for his debut over the larger obstacles last time. World Vision is also a hurdling winner and was rated higher than Case Of Poteen in that sphere so it would be no surprise to see him go well too. Tee Jay gained a rating of 115 over hurdles but showed little on his chasing bow. Speed Kris also showed ability over hurdles but is possibly the second-choice from the Bradburne runners. Simlet has more experience than most of these over fences and has shown enough to suggest that he can win a race of this nature. Also, he will come here fit following a Flat run and has proven he can act on soft. Imperial Dream has certainly shown promise over hurdles and, being lightly raced, should have better to come, while Diamond Monroe, who should strip fitter for his recent run, holds solid claims if getting back to the level of his January and March form. He rates an obvious danger to the selection which is, once again, Rival Bidder.
