in rear, mistake 15th, headway 16th, slow jump 17th, weakened and pulled up before 4 out
held up, short lived effort 15th, pulled up before 18th
led, headed after 10th, with leader when mistake 16th, ridden 4 out, led approaching 2 out, soon clear
prominent, ridden 16th, weakened 4 out
in touch, joined leaders when mistake 14th, lost place and ridden from 4 out to chase clear leading pair, no impression
held up, behind when pulled up before 16th
prominent, not fluent 4th, led after 10th, ridden 13th, headed approaching 2 out, no impression
Nonrunner
This is a good line-up for a race named after one of the most prolific winning racehorses of the twentieth century, and in it the vote goes to General Gossip, with Auburn Spirit, Coursing Run and Midnight Gunner rated as his main dangers. The selection really seems to be getting his act together now and, despite the fact that he is ten pounds higher than for his latest win, he can still go well. A decent hurdler, Cruise The Fairway has yet to fully put it together yet over fences, while Coursing Run is on a winning mark and would hold chances based on his Chepstow effort two runs ago, although runs either side of it have been modest. Much as Auburn Spirit has been raised six pounds for his recent course and distance win, he can still go well, although that was not a strong race and more will be needed here. Mistletoe is well weighted based on his wins of February and March 2002 but he has only been seen once in the last two years, and Midnight Gunner is now six pounds lower in the ratings than for his most recent win, at Cheltenham in April 2003, although all of his wins have come on good going, but he does act on soft. Villair, a course and distance winner, is weighted to go well, but Blunham Hill has a bit to prove at the moment. Place all of this into the mix and it leaves us siding with General Gossip.
