tracked leader until blundered 8th, chased leaders, blundered and unseated rider 11th
held up, smooth headway 5 out, went 2nd next, blundered 2 out, stayed on to lead after last, driven out
in touch, lost place 10th, outpaced 4 out, kept on under pressure from next, never on terms
led, mistake 2nd, blundered 7th and next, fell 11th
tracked leaders, went 2nd 8th, left in lead 11th, headed after 5 out, ridden and weakened from 3 out
held up in touch, headway 12th, driven to chase leaders approaching 4 out, 3rd & held when blundered 3 out, no extra
held up in rear, pushed along halfway, headway 11th, led after 5 out, ridden 2 out, blundered last, soon headed, no extra flat
Lord Transcend looks the answer to this puzzle although Royal Emperor should prove a tough nut to crack. Howard Johnson's charge finished fourth in the Hennessy to Celestial Gold off this mark and as an unexposed type, there is every chance that this mark of 135 could be on the leninent side. His better performances have come when the fields are smaller and it is arguable that he would have finished closer in the Hennessy had he not made a couple of errors at the second and third last. Royal Emperor does not know how to run a bad race and is a likeable sort. The handicapper has dropped him 2lb since his last run but he seems a much better horse when the mud is flying. Murphy's Cardinal is other to catch the eye in this race. He ran in a very hot race behind Colonel Frank at Sandown three weeks ago. He travelled much the best in that contest before his lack of experience caught him out in the closing stages. Win,lose or draw he is very much one for the future. Cruise Leader takes a big step up in grade having already posted three victories at the West Yorkshire track. Gunner Welburn and Wain Mountain retain ability although again they have questions to answer about the ground. Truckers Tavern and Ryalux are best watched. Lord Transcend will need to win this in order to maintain any Cheltenham aspirations and he secures our verdict.
