chased winner to fourth, prominent, weakened 4 out, no chance when not fluent 2 out
held up in touch, headway 7th, chased winner approaching 4 out, ridden 2 out, weakened flat
made all, hit 6th, jumped left 8th, driven clear flat
refused to race, took no part
not jump well, never going well, tailed off 5th, pulled up before 4 out
held up, jumped slowly 4th, never on terms
held up, no chance when fell 4 out
prominent, chased winner 4th, weakened 4 out
held up, ridden 6th, headway 8th, stayed on flat, never dangerous
Ratty's Band is the pick ahead of Andaleer, with Romany Dream and Manoram best of the rest. Ratty's Band is the most recent winner in the line-up, having opened his account at Perth last month. Lucy Normile's ten-year-old did not have much weight to carry that day, but jumped well in disposing of a large field, and although the going will be a lot faster now, he at least is the one that has the form in the bag. Andaleer has yet to score and was third over hurdles here on his last visit. He has not impressed over fences in the past but may reach the frame, while Romany Dream has a light weight and may be more at home over this shorter trip, having faded out of contention at Huntingdon. In contrast, Manoram could only run on at the one pace behind the well-handicapped Princesse Grec here a fortnight ago and may be taken off his feet. All in all, this represents a very good chance for Ratty's Band.