held up, pushed along after 6th, left moderate third 4 out, blundered and unseated rider 3 out
led to 2nd, led again after 3rd to 5th, weakening when mistake 9th
held up, headway 5th, led 4 out, soon clear, comfortably
held up in rear, headway when hit 7th, ridden next, left 2nd 4 out, never troubled winner
chased leaders, ridden when mistake 8th, soon weakened
led 2nd, headed after 3rd, led again 5th, headed when fell 4 out
Bernardon makes a quick reappearance in a bid to make up for Wednesday's defeat at Perth and is selected ahead of Master T, Taakid and Noshinannikin. Bernardon was the only one to give Nowator a race at the Scottish track as the latter proceeded to make all. Those tactics proved too much for Gone Too Far, but at least Richard Guest's charge gave a fair account, and might have finished closer had he not blundered at the second last. He has a sound chance against this opposition and gets the vote to gain a second success over fences. Master T had the misfortune to come up against the well-handicapped Klondike Charger at Fontwell but shaped well to finish second, and if kept nearer the pace here can give the selection most to do. Sue Smith saddles both Taakid and Noshinannikin, with preference for the former who has a fair weight and is a previous course and distance winner. However, Bernardon has the best form overall and should make amends.
