prominant for 2f soon lost place and virtually pulled up final 2f
took keen hold and soon close up, weakened over 1f out
behind, ridden halfway, staying on same pace when not much room inside final furlong
chased leaders 4f
in touch, ridden to press leaders entering final furlong, ridden and not quicken final 100 yards
dwelt, held up, ridden and no response over 2f out, soon beaten
slowly into stride, soon chased leaders on inner, hard ridden 2f out, switched left over 1f out, strong challenge final furlong, just failed
behind, headway on wide outside over 2f out, pressed leaders and every chance final furlong, just held
took keen hold, pressed winner, led narrowly over 3f out to inside final 2f, weakened inside final furlong
raced against near side rail, slight lead, narrowly headed over 3f out, led again narrowly inside final 2f, hard pressed throughout final furlong, just held on, all out
soon outpaced in rear
Montana should at last visit the winner's enclosure, with the main danger likely to be On The Level in a moderate affair to round things off at the Berkshire track. Richard Hannon does well here and will be confident of another success with Montana who bids to recoup losses after his Warwick defeat. Sent off as the 1-3 favourite due to a massive difference in the ratings, he was a major flop and did not look in love with the game. As such he is not a mortgage job, but based on his earlier efforts at Newbury and Lingfield, is worth another chance. He needs strong handling to stop him from hanging and Richard Hughes will know what to expect, having ridden him before. If he flops again, On The Level may be the one to take advantage. Norma Macauley's charge shaped well when second at Yarmouth and is the sort to follow on the all-weather this winter. Roan Raider may be a similar sort as owner Paul Dixon likes to keep them ticking over on the sand. But, as stated earlier, Montana has the ability if he wants to put it in, and gets another chance before we start calling him a rogue.
