always behind, tailed off from 11th
held up, headway 6th, weakened 8th, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
chased leader to 6th, soon lost place, tailed off
held up, headway 5th, mistake 8th, weakened 10th
prominent, lost place after 6th, went poor 3rd near finish
held up and took keen hold, headway and not fluent 8th, 6 lengths 3rd and weakening when fell 3 out
prominent, 3rd when blundered 10th, soon weakened, tailed off
held up, jumped right 5th, soon tailed off, pulled up before 7th
prominent, ridden approaching 7th, soon weakened tailed off
held up in touch, headway approaching 7th, challenging when hit 3 out, hard ridden to lead last, driven out
led, hit 5th, hard ridden and headed last, not quicken flat
Things may not have gone exactly to plan for Never, but he was much the best of these over hurdles at his peak and he is selected over Shalako and High Drama as the one to be on as he makes his chasing debut. Rescator, who was once the apple of Martin Pipe's eye could also pick up a small race of this nature if he gets his act together and he is one to take a few notes on as things unfold. Whereas Irishkawa Bellevue ran out of steam on his latest start but was making High Drama pull out all the stops when they came up against each other when they met here in June. This shorter trip should help his cause and he could easily be the surprise package of the race. Shalako was not knocked about when his chance had gone on his debut over fences and he should have more to offer with that experience under his belt. However, he would have a bit to find with Never if he takes to this game and the vote stays with the former Francois Doumen inmate this afternoon.
