in touch, headway to dispute 2nd after 5th, led 9th, headed next, led again 11th, clear after 3 out, easily
held up, lost touch 7th, tailed off and pulled up before 4 out
held up towards rear, steady headway after 7th, not fluent 10th, went 3rd after 11th, soon ridden, weakened approaching 3 out
prominent, lost place 6th, behind next, soon tailed off
tracked leader to 10th, jumped right next, soon ridden, weakened quickly
led, not fluent 7th, headed 9th, led again next, pecked and headed 11th, ridden 3 out, soon no impression on winner
held up, lost touch 7th, tailed off from next, clambered over 11th, soon pulled up
Heather Dalton's Deferlant is likely to be at short odds for this following two recent successes over fences here and at Perth and is difficult to oppose. A 117 rated hurdler, the son of Bering has taken well to the larger obstacles this season and has easily disposed of his rivals in those two wins. Both of those victories came over shorter trips than today but the step up to 2m4f should not hinder the five-year-old, who looks to be progressing with every start. The main danger to the "jolly" should be Brendan Powell's Ricko, who was clear when coming down two out in the race won by Helvetius at Newton Abbot last month. Granted a clear round he should claim the forecast spot. The others look a very moderate bunch, with point-to-point winner Rushing Again and perennial bridesmaid Flahive's First looking the best of them.
