held up, headway after 10th, ridden approaching 4 out, no impression approaching 2 out, went 2nd after last, no chance with winner
led, ridden and headed 3 out, weakened after 2 out
chased leaders, ridden 9th, soon struggling, tailed off when pulled up before 11th
chased leader until after 9th, weakened after next
held up, ridden after 10th, weakened approaching 4 out
always prominent, chased leader after 9th, led 3 out, strongly pressed when left well clear last
mid-division, mistake 7th, headway 9th, ridden approaching 4 out, soon beaten, eased and pulled up before 3 out
held up in rear, steady headway 8th, ridden approaching 4 out, went 2nd approaching 2 out, joined winner when fell last
held up, mistake 7th, weakened next, pulled up after 9th
behind until blundered and unseated rider 8th
Major Shark still looks nicely treated and can see off the challenge of Mike Simmons and Blasket Sound in a fairly wide-open event. Stamina will be the key here as Major Shark bids to follow up his win of 11 days ago at Cartmel. In what was a really competitive contest, the six-year-old took up the running four out and simply galloped his rivals into the ground. He was not stopping at the finish and should have no problems getting this marathon trip today. Mike Simmons also hit winning form last time, beating the selection to the tune of 18 lengths at Uttoxeter in early May. However, Major Shark is now well over a stone better off at the weights and as stated, will relish this longer trip. Mr Dow Jones has topweight to overcome and surely no improvement at the age of 12, while Martha Reilly has course form to her name in the past, but in the main has been out of form. Blasket Sound was consistent enough last season and was third over this trip at Newton Abbot last time. He is another that is a light of former days though, and Major Shark has a good chance of adding to his tally at the weights.
