led to 4 out, led again 3 out, ridden and headed approaching 2 out, weakened approaching last
chased leaders, led approaching 2 out, clear last, easily
always behind
held up, ridden 4 out, weakened quickly tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
held up, headway and mistake 4th, ridden after 3 out, soon weakened
keen, in touch, weakened quickly 4 out, tailed off when pulled up before last
chased leader, led 4 out to 3 out, ridden to go 2nd 2 out, kept on no chance with winner
The shortlist here contains Altesse de Sou, A Toi A Moi and Ferimon, with the vote going to A Toi A Moi. The Venetia Williams-trained selection was eased in grade for his latest run, when a very good second to Some Timbering at Newbury. This easier track should suit better today and, being quite well regarded, he should go close. Altesse de Sou is a French winner who was slightly disappointing on his British debut but should be capable of better. Henry Daly's Ferimon won his bumper well and is interesting, although it should be noted that his dam stayed three miles. Of the others, Maljimar showed some promise on his sole run to date, in a bumper; Risk Factor has a flat pedigree and hails from a canny stable, and Welsh Dane has shown decent bumper promise. Given that A Toi A Moi seemed to appreciate being eased in class last time - and that this easier track should suit - he is taken to land the finale.
