lost place 2nd, stayed on under pressure from 2 out, never dangerous
mid-division, weakened 3 out, tailed off when pulled up before last
held up, headway approaching 4th, ridden and weakened before last
led to 4th, weakened before 3 out, tailed off when pulled up before last
held up, headway approaching 3 out, led last, stayed on
behind from 3rd, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
mid-division, headway after 4th, every chance when ran out 2 out
held up and keen, some headway after 2 out, soon weakened
chased leader to 3rd, prominent until weakened after 3 out, tailed off when pulled up before last
held up in rear, headway approaching 6th, hung right and chased winner flat, stayed on
chased leaders, led and pecked 4th, ridden after 2 out, headed last, weakened flat
in touch until after 5th, tailed off
Gospel Song catches our eye here ahead of Ridapour and Surprise Gunner. The selection is 12 years of age now but has won from today's mark at Hexham and will handle the underfoot conditions. A solid run, also at Hexham, last time from a two-pound higher mark means he comes here in pretty good heart and can give you a good run for your money. Ridapour is fairly lightly raced and is fully entitled to place claims from his current mark, while Surprise Gunner is another who is back to a winning mark and the going will hold no fears for him. Dashing Dollar is also entitled to claims if he can turn the clock back a couple of years. Forest Ivory is the sole course winner in the line-up but his last win came in 1997. However, this is not a strong race and he too could give you a shout. The Eens also has fairly recent form that entitles him to consideration and it would be foolish to dismiss the chances of Only You, hailing as he does from the in-form Nigel Twiston-Davies yard. Overall, though, for us it's Gospel Song to hit all the right notes.
