chased winner until after 4th, mistake next, soon ridden and behind when pulled up after 3 out
prominent, tracked winner from 4th till ridden after 3 out, weakened after next
always in touch, ridden after 3 out, chased winner approaching 2out, always held
made all, mistake 6th, quickened and not fluent 2 out, kept on well
towards rear and soon pushed along, not fluent 5th, ridden and one paced from next
held up in touch, pushed along 4th, hard ridden after 3 out, stayed on to go 3rd approaching last
always pushed along in rear, behind when pulled up after 3 out, dismounted
A race lacking strength in depth and Shamsan, who has yet to finish out of the first two here in three outings, is taken to add to his impressive course record. He hasn't been disgraced over fences recently, despite not looking a natural. He returns to timber off a 1lb higher mark than when runner-up to Ashgan nearly a year ago and providing chasing hasn't blunted his speed, he looks the one to beat. When last seen back in the Autumn, Burning Truth was clearly on the upgrade and this 8lbs higher mark isn't certain to stop him. He goes particularly well for Robert Biddlecombe and if straight after his lay, will be a danger to all. Majlis is hopelessly out of sorts, while Gimmick also has plenty to prove. The one for minor honours could be Bitter Sweet, who comes into this sharper for a recent outing on the flat.
