held up behind leader, not jump well throughout, reminders 7th, ridden from 4 out, took poor 2nd approaching 2 out, no impression
set slow pace, led, headed 3rd, led again 4th, narrow lead 7th and 8th, ridden and headed approaching 2 out, weakened quickly
with leader, disputed lead 7th and 8th, ridden to lead approaching 2 out, soon clear, eased down flat, comfortable
The vote here goes to Moscow Leader in preference to Diamond Alternative and Cush Jewel. The Richard Guest-trained selection has performed with credit in each of his three hurdling runs, winning at Cartmel in August. Admittedly, that was a modest event and he was then turned over by an outsider at Worcester next time. Much as he's there to be shot at, Larry McGrath takes a useful five pounds off his back and that could make a difference. Tony McCoy has been booked for the first-time blinkered Diamond Alternative. For the champion's sake, I hope they help, because in that contest and one poor effort since, the Charlie Egerton-trained gelding has looked a little lazy. As such, he might be more at home on softer going. Mick Fitzgerald, only recently back from injury, teams up with Cush Jewel. Again, she looks nothing out of the ordinary but has the beating of Diamondalternative if taking formlines with a horse called Sharvie literally. Roddy The Vet has shown some promise on a couple of occasions but will not line up unless there is a good deal of rain overnight. Overall, then, in a race that in its way provides plenty of intrigue in its way, we'll opt for Moscow Leader.
