led, ridden 3 out, headed 2 out, no extra approaching last
tracked leader, pushed along and lost place approaching 4 out, soon behind
held up in touch, headway approaching 3 out, ridden to challenge 2 out, one pace run in
towards rear, never dangerous
held up in mid-division, headway approaching 3 out, led 2 out, ran on strongly
held up, headway 4th to track leaders, ridden and weakened approaching 3 out
held up towards rear, headway approaching 3 out, effort 2 out, one pace
in touch, ridden approaching 3 out, outpaced before next, kept on one pace approaching last
tracked leaders, effort and chance 2 out, faded run in
mid-division, hit 4th, weakened approaching 3 out
towards rear never dangerous
Middlethorpe is interesting on his return to the winter game and gets the vote over in-form Beat The Heat and Mirjan. Mick Easterby's six-year-old was a winner over the course and distance in February but has not carried on his good form on the flat. However, as the weeks went on, he has started to look more like his old self, and shaped fairly well at both Ayr and Catterick. he should be fit enough and gets weight off Beat The Heat, which could prove decisive. The latter lines up in form, having won back-to back races at Aintree and Kelso, but the suspicion is that the handicapper will soon grab him. Mirjan has a touch of class on his day, and was good enough to contest the Pertemps Final at the Cheltenham Festival. Successful here in the past, he will improve for the run. Benbyas surely has it to do off topweight, while Batswing is a classy chaser at best, and this run over hurdles will blow the cobwebs away. All in all, in a tight affair, Middlethorpe can come good.
