tracked leaders, jumped right and hampered 2nd, soon lost place, ridden 6th, hit 9th, weakened 11th
tracked leaders, weakened 10th, tailed off 4 out
led, blundered and headed 10th, soon weakened, behind when pulled up before 3 out
held up in rear, mistake 1st, headway 9th, led after 3 out, hard ridden and slight advantage when blundered and unseated rider last
prominent, led 10th, ridden and headed after 3 out, every chance when mistake last, no extra flat
tracked leaders, ridden 4 out, every chance 2 out, left in lead last, driven out
in touch, hampered and fell 2nd
held up, reminders 3rd, ridden 4 out, headway approaching 2 out, every chance last, no extra towards finish
Stamina will be a premium requirement throughout the card today and the way this unfolds will set the president for the remainder of the day. Benson, who was pin fired during a lengthy absence from the track, made an encouraging debut over fences at Hereford last month and holds claims on that run. However, it was not the strongest of races and the bounce factor has to be taken into account on ground that may be too soft for him. Ebony Light will be interesting if he takes to the chasing game and will strip fitter after a fair reappearance over timber at Bangor three weeks ago. However, the balance of form leaves him with a little to prove and a watching brief may be best employed with him today. The same sentiments apply to Villair, Regal River and the frustrating Athleague Guest, who despite his ability to handle the ground is opposable on grounds of inconsistency. Happy Change on the other hand makes plenty of appeal after showing signs of improvement in three similar contests earlier in the year. He acts well with cut in the ground and will give them all something to think about if he can translate his course form over hurdles to the bigger stage. Irish import Canon Barney is another who will not be troubled by the ground and he has the first opportunity to live up to the reputation he carried with him from his homeland when he joined his in-form yard last season. Jonjo O'Neill's charge just gets the TEAMtalk vote in a very tricky affair.
