held up, ridden and hit 10th, mistake next, chased winner approaching 3 out, weakened 2 out
led, headed and pecked 2nd, soon lost place, disputed 4th when blundered badly and unable seated rider 7th
tracked leaders, left 2nd 11th, ridden 4 out, kept on flat
jumped well, led 2nd, soon clear, driven out
held up, blundered badly 3rd, pulled up before next
in rear, headway after 6th, mistake and hampered 7th, soon lost place and behind
mistake 1st, always behind, tailed off and pulled up before 10th
chased winner from 2nd, fell 11th
Chevalier Bayard has claims if able to reproduce his close second at Market Rasen in June but is not the most consistent and remains an exposed maiden so looks worth opposing. Strawman's jumping technique needs to improve and he looks short of pace so a tentative vote goes to Taakid. Sue Smith's charge was disappointing last time but takes a massive drop in grade and had earlier shown himself capable of landing a race of this nature when runner-up off a mark of 87 at Sedgefield in July.
