prominent, chased leaders after 3 out, ridden before 2 out, weakened before last
led and set fast pace, clear 2nd, ridden after 4th, headed after 5th, soon weakened
mid-division, headway before 3 out and chased leaders, ridden 2 out, stayed on one pace
held up last, some headway and ridden after 3 out, weakened 2 out, mistake when tired last
in touch, ridden 3 out, soon weakened
chased leader, headway and led after 5th, ridden before 3 out and quickened, clear last, eased close home
mid-division, headway 5th, ridden after 3 out and every chance, stayed on one pace from last
held up towards rear, ridden and lost touch 3 out, pulled up before 2 out
held up in touch, not fluent 2nd, headway and chased leader 3 out, soon ridden, weakened before 2 out
Martin Pipe's Major Speculation has failed to progress since winning at Newbury in November and, despite the form of the Pipe yard, preference is for Crossbow Creek, who is preferred to In The Frame. The last mentioned is trained by Philip Hobbs and has run some good races in defeat of late, latterly behind Almaydan at Exeter. However, he remains a maiden over timber and we prefer to side with Crossbow Creek. Mark Rimell's six-year-old fulfilled the promise of a fine second behind the useful King Revo at Wetherby when opening his account at Ludlow subsequently. A disappointing effort behind Musical Stage at Huntingdon last time tempers enthusiasm somewhat but, in a poor contest by the track's standards, he looks worth chancing. Ark Admiral and New Mischief are others worthy of a mention but the vote goes to Crossbow Creek.
