held up tracking leaders, not fluent 5th, left in lead 7th, ridden clear approaching last
prominent, hampered 6th, hit 8th, ridden when hit 2 out, no impression
led, 3 lengths clear when fell 6th
held up mid-division and keen, left poor 4th after 7th
held up mid-division, not jumped well when badly hampered and unseated rider 6th
pulled hard throughout, driven approaching last, kept on
Nonrunner
Clear Thinking gets the confident vote in the opener with Alagon and Star Angler rated as the main dangers. The selection should have too much class for his rivals here as he was once touted as a potential Cheltenham horse. He has failed to live up to those expectations but if he runs anywhere near his best then he should be too good for his rivals. Alagon ran well when a narrow winner at Bangor last time when defeating Castlemore. He relished every yard of the 3m trip that day so the drop back in trip is not sure to suit and we are happy to take him on. Star Angler won well at Exeter but failed to get home over this trip last time. However, this faster surface looks sure to be in his favour and he may be capable of making the frame. Lord Jay Jay is from a top yard and is worth noting in the market even though he looks to have plenty to prove at present, and for the winner we return to Clear Thinking.
