led, headed after 15th, soon beaten
always towards rear, behind and pulled up before 15th
tracked leader, led after 15th, headed after 17th, weakened after next
tracked leaders, ridden approaching 3 out, kept on same pace
held up in touch, headway 15th, led approaching 4 out, not fluent 2 out, stayed on strongly
in touch to 13th, soon behind, tailed off and pulled up after 4 out
held up in touch, headway approaching 4 out, chased winner approaching next, no impression after
held up, headway 11th, led briefly after 17th, ridden approaching 3 out, weakened
in touch, ridden after 16hth, weakened approaching 4 out
The race named in honour of the great trainer Tim Forster has drawn a field of which he would have approved. Four-time course and distance winner (from a best rating of 127, now 131) disappointed from a revised mark of 133 last time and the jury is out as to whether a two-pound drop will be enough for him to feature. Swansea Bay has been a revelation since last July, winning six of his eight races (experiencing a ratings rise from 83 to 131 in the process), the best of which came in the Badger Brewery Chase over today's course and distance. However, life will not be easy from his current mark. Eau de Cologne has won from a mark as high as 139 (now 126) but that was two years ago. However, he showed a bit more zest for a long way on his last run and is 11lbs better off with Satshoon for a four-length beating over today's c/d in November. Skycab won from a mark of 118 (now 125) at Fakenham but is not guaranteed to relish this trip. Haut Cercy represents Tim Forster's protege Henry Daly. His third to the progressive Valley Henry last time reads fairly well and his handicap mark of 120 is not unreasonable. Still a novice, he has shaped like a staying handicapper in the making. Twisted Logic won a slog at Exeter in December but is now six pounds higher on 120 (has won from 118). Spinofski keeps getting raised by small amounts for getting beaten. However, he was progressive last season and, if at his best, could go well. The lightly-raced Indian Chance (also a course and distance winner) was pulled up here last time but could have more to come. Strong Paladin is 6lbs higher than for his best win and was well behind Spinofski at Kempton last time. Spinofski could well be the one here, but don't be surprised to see Swansea Bay run well even from his current mark.
