mid-division, headway after 7th, ridden approaching 2 out, not quickened
led to 2nd, chased leader, led after 6th, ridden and headed approaching 2 out, weakened
held up last, headway after 7th, challenged and led before 2 out, headed approaching last, no extra
chased leader, led after 2nd, headed 6th, soon ridden, weakened 3 out, tailed off
held up towards rear, headway approaching 3 out, ridden and chased leader 2 out, led approaching last, pushed clear flat, easily
held up in touch, headway and chased leaders 3 out, every chance approaching 2 out, weakened approaching last
Canal End has been given top weight here and will do well to repel the challenge of Mallory who makes most appeal, with Sundawn Lady one to watch after a couple of promising efforts earlier in the year. Trainer Tom George has his team in fine form at present, emphasised by Mallory's success at Newcastle. That was his first win since landing a bumper at Huntingdon on his debut back in 1999. After that initial victory, former trainer Mark Wilkinson reckoned that he was good enough to run in the Cheltenham Champion Bumper. He never made it there as it turns out, but has had limited opportunities to show his worth since those days. George is still adopting a patient policy but will turn his thought to fences soon, and in the meantime expects him to add to his haul over hurdles. Canal End has not shown much since coming over from Ireland and it is only a matter of time before Jonjo puts him over the bigger obstacles, while Sundawn Lady is game enough but very one-paced.
