held up midfield, outpaced and hung left 2f out, stayed on well inside final furlong,held on
tracked leader, joined leader and every chance well over 1f out, ridden and weakened final furlong
held up, headway 2f out, every chance 1f out, no extra well inside final furlong
held up rear, ridden over 3f out, never on terms
soon led, ridden and headed over 1f out, weakened final furlong
prominent, chased along over 3f out, soon weakened and eased 2f out, tailed off
steadied start, held up rear, headway 2f out, chased winner and carried left inside final furlong, held when snatched up close home
held up towards rear, headway 2f out, stayed on under pressure well inside final furlong, held on near finish
in touch, shaken up and led over 1f out, edged left inside final furlong, driven out
held up behind, outpaced 2f out, soon beaten
Tour De Force is fancied to follow up his impressive debut win at Nottingham, at the expense of Barney McAll, Red Chief and Invitation. Willie Haggas' four-year-old made a belated debut at Nottingham last month, making every yard of the running to record an easy victory. Whilst the form may not amount to a great deal, the Saddlers Hall gelding gave the impression there was a lot more to come, and this extra distance is almost certain to suit. Barney McAll looks rather more exposed, but ran well enough when third in a better race at Haydock last time to be considered the main danger here, and had earlier started favourite for a competitive handicap at Doncaster so is clearly well regarded. Haydock juvenile winner Red Chief showed up well enough on his reappearance here, should come on for the run and is another who is likely to be suited by this step up in trip, while Invitation is one to consider at longer odds. Richard Quinn was on board for both of his handicap wins last season, at Newmarket and Leicester, and it could be significant that he rides this on its reappearance here. Although he handles fast ground, any signifiacnt rain would probably improve his chances.
