mid-division, ridden over 2f out, soon weakened
chased leader, ridden over 2f out, one pace
chased leaders, lost place over 4f out, soon ridden, stayed on final 2f
slowly into stride, held up in touch, ridden over 3f out, soon weakened
always behind
chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, kept on final furlong, led post
always behind
chased leaders, weakened over 2f out
led, ridden and headed over 2f out, one pace
took keen hold, tracked leaders, led over 2f out, soon ridden, caught post
Wessex has a progressive profile and is taken to complete a four timer at the main expense of Lakota Brave and Marcus Eile. The selection is by Gone West so it has come as no surprise to see him show improved form since being switched to sand with wins here (twice) and at Wolverhampton in his last three starts. Paul Blockley's gelding won with plenty in hand last time and should be able to defy his latest rise in the weights. Lakota Brave has done his winning in sellers and seemed to find the return to handicap company beyond him last time. David Barron saddles two runners with the inconsistent but well treated Penwell Hill preferred to Rafferty. Tony Newcombe is also doubly represented although neither Mufreh nor Nimello make much appeal. A bigger threat may come from Marcus Eile, who has been given a break since his latest start and hails from the in-form stable of Kevin Ryan, but Wessex has an obvious chance and gets the vote.
