soon tracking leaders, went 2nd 9th, mistake 12th, led after 13th, clear approaching 2 out, easily
jumped left, led, headed after 1st, led again approaching 9th, headed after 13th, ridden after 3 out, soon weakened
held up in rear, headway and mistake 12th, ridden to go 2nd approaching 2 out, no chance with winner
in touch, reminders after 4th, pushed along 10th, weakened 13th, behind when pulled up and dismounted after 4 out
jumped right, led after 1st, headed when fell 9th
This looks to be a match on paper between Gielgud and Gold Kriek, with the vote going to Gielgud. It won't be easy for the selection, who has to give away 18lb to that leading opponent, but he is in very good form at present. Driven out to beat Monks Error at Worcester on his penultimate start, he was unlucky last time out over this course and distance. Travelling well in behind the leaders he screwed three out causing his saddle to slip and giving Carl Llewellyn little chance of maintaining the partnership. He can make amends here, with serious opposition thin on the ground. Gold Kriek won at Uttoxeter last month, after an absence of over two years. However, the handicapper did not miss the manner of that success and a 13lb rise proved too much for him on his last two starts. The same may well occur today, and with nothing else making appeal, we will stick with Gielgud to gain regain the winning thread.
