held up, headway approaching 3 out, led last, ridden out
with leader, ridden approaching 11th, every chance after 2 out, weakened last (wrong course taken from 2nd)
prominent, ridden approaching 3 out, soon weakened (finished 5th, placed 2nd)
in touch, mistake 9th, soon weakened, tailed off and pulled up before 3 out (wrong course taken from 2nd)
led, ridden approaching 11th, headed last, no extra (disqualified wrong course taken)
You can give just about all of the field a chance here, but our vote goes to Briar's Mist. Briar's Mist is generally consistent and, boasting course and distance-winning form here, looks to be the one they have to beat in this contest. Much as he was beaten when sent off as favourite at Newcastle last time, this shorter trip, over which there are no stamina doubts, will suit him better and he could prove to be a tough nut to crack. From the Martin Pipe camp, Headliner's chance cannot be dismissed, but he has to concede weight to the field on what will be testing going. Bdellium and Zimbabwe have form enough to be respected in this race, although the latter is not fully proven at this trip. Alvaro's second to Kiwi Babe last time looks pretty solid form, while Isou is sure to improve on his seasonal return run at Towcester last time. Finally, Indian Laburnum has at least proven he can win here but, for the winner, we return to Briar's Mist.