prominent, lost place 10th, ridden after 15th, rallied 18th, jumped slowly and lost place 19th, stayed on flat
held up, headway 15th, ridden and blundered 16th, weakened 18th
in touch, went 2nd 8th, mistake 10th, ridden to lead 16th, headed after 3 out, weakened flat
led, headed and hit 16th, weakened 18th
held up, hit 8th, ridden after 15th, hit 16th, headway 18th, led after 3 out, clear 2 out, stayed on
in touch, ridden and headway approaching 16th, kept on to take 2nd last, no chance with winner
mistakes, behind when blundered and unseated rider 12th
tracked leaders, ridden 16th, one pace from 3 out
prominent, lost place after 2nd, in touch, headway approaching 13th, ridden 16th, soon weakened
The manner in which Auburn Spirit won the Crude Cup over course and distance suggests that Mark Usher's charge has plenty more to offer this season and he is the one to beat today despite being set to carry a 7lb penalty for last week's success. Winsome and Villair always have to be respected at this level and, along with the frustrating Sterling Dot Com, are shortlist as the main contenders to fill the places - although Folly Road also has some very good form to his name and will be dangerous to rule out completely. However, it is a long time since he was seen over regulation fences and it may be best to wait and see if he attracts interest on course before taking the plunge with him; despite his recent form in points. Therefore, Auburn Spirit is confidently expected to make a bold bid as he arrives here obvious in good heart. The nine-year-old loves to get his toe in and it will be no surprise to see him try to run the finish out of his rivals when they set out on the final circuit. Villair appeals at the likely prices as the one to give the selection the most to do.
