held up in mid-division, mistake 3rd, pulled up quickly before 7th
led to 3rd, led 6th to 11th, ridden behind leaders 4 out, weakened 3 out
held up last, mistake 7th, headway 11th, mistake 13th, challenged on bit 4 out, ridden approaching 2 out, led flat, pushed out
chased leader unitl badly blundered and unseated rider 6th
held up towards rear, blundered and unseated rider 4th
chased leader, led 3rd, blundered 5th, ridden 9th, lost touch 10th, soon behind
Most of the field can be given some sort of a chance, with our tentative vote going to Big Max. Looking at the runners and Connemara Mist certainly has chances based on his Irish form and races for the first time in this country, so watch out for a market move. Big Max is well handicapped based on his hurdling form and, with a recent Exeter run under his belt, should have improvement to come over the larger obstacles. Sacrifice seemed to improve for a step up to this trip at this track in October, and now returns to this distance for the first time since, so do not rule out a fair run from him. Two Tears is now six pounds below a winning mark of two years ago and was returning from an 18-month break when running at Newton Abbot last time. He should strip fitter for that run and will certainly appreciate this right-handed course over the left-hand turns of Newton Abbot. Pounsley Mill has proven very consistent and, being just five pounds above a winning mark, cannot be ruled out of earning some money. Finally, Parish Oak runs quickly before being reassessed following a solid Leicester win in an, overall, modest race. He may have got the run of the race there so isn't one to be taking too short a price about, while Gus des Bois lacks gears and is always going to be vulnerable to a late surge by one of his opponents. Overall, then, this returns us to the selection, which is Big Max.
