close up, ridden to join winner 16th, outpaced next, ran on flat
led to 15th, soon ridden, every chance approaching 2 out, mistake last, no extra flat
held up, mistake 5th and 9th, lost touch 16th, soon tailed off
held up, headway 13th, weakened 17th, tailed off and pulled up before 2 out
tracked leader, led 15th, driven out
This is a very competitive renewal and should provide some thrills along the way despite there being only five acceptors at the overnight stage. Choisty, has to be considered off just a 2lb higher mark than when he was successful in this race last year, but he has never been one to trust implicitly - even though his profile would suggest that he is due to put in one of his better efforts and his experience will be valuable if this turns into something of a slog. The lightly raced Ballybrophy, an ex-Irish pointer, also has strong claims if he can put in anything like his best and his connections deserve to get a good run for their money after showing so much faith in him. However, he has been limited to just five outings in three years and there has to be a risk that he may need a bit longer between his races. Therefore the improving Max Pride is just given the vote today. He arrives here at the top of his game and has enough scope to brush aside his 9lb rise in the handicap for a comfortable defeat of Lord Rapier at Bangor last time. Roberty Bob and Suntas have both been found wanting for a turn of foot on occasions but the step up in trip may aid them today.
