held up mid-division, steady headway 5th, led soon after 3 out, ridden approaching 2 out, ran on well
held up and keen, ridden and stayed on from 3 out moderately
tracked leaders, hit 2nd, led 3 out, hit and headed soon after, weakened
held up mid-division, some headway 6th, ridden and weakened 2 out
keen in mid-division, headway 6th, ridden to chase leader from 3 out, no impression
always behind, behind when pulled up before 2 out
held up towards rear, never a danger, mistake 3 out
held up, never better than mid-division, ridden and weakened 3 out
tracked leader until ridden 4 weakened
in touch, ridden when mistake 3 out, weakened quickly and pulled up before next
in touch, ridden approaching 3 out, weakened quickly soon after
mid-division, ridden 4 out, soon weakened and pulled up before 2 out
in touch, lost place 5th, ridden and well behind when pulled up before 3 out
led, mistake 4th, ridden and headed 3 out, weakened and pulled up next
The finale is the most wide-open event on the card, and only a tentative vote goes to Peeyoutwo over Welcome To Unos, Borora and Banningham Blaze. Peeyoutoo is relatively lightly-raced, having missed the whole of 2002 before coming back a fresh horse this year. Having taken on fair company, it was no surprise when he opened his account over the course and distance in September. He did get a bit keyed up before the start and is not the most straightforward of animals, but regular pilot Leighton Aspell is back on board after handing over the reins to Alan O'Keefe at Bangor. Welcome To Unos has yet to score and is struggling with the handicapper at present, so we prefer to look elsewhere for dangers. Borora was a fair maiden on the Flat for Don Cantillon and used his speed to good effect when opening his account over hurdles at Hereford. This sharp course should suit him and Richard Johnson rides again. Banningham Blaze won on the Flat at Lingfield in the summer and is another to consider. A beaten favourite at Wetherby, he does not look badly treated for his handicap bow, and along with the likes of Six Pack, Top Trees, Roppongi Dancer and Penalty Clause, makes for an interesting contest. For the winner though, we return to Peeyoutwo.
