held up, reminders halfway, ridden to chase leaders over 3f out, soon no impression
led, ridden over 3f out, headed over 1f out, rallied under pressure final furlong
chased leaders to over 3f out, soon weakened
keen early, held up, some headway 5f out, soon ridden, weakened 2f out
always behind, tailed off 4f out, virtually pulled up
tracked leader, ridden and effort over 2f out, stayed on under pressure final furlong
mid-division, outpaced 6f out, soon behind
mid-division, pushed along and headway 5f out, ridden 2f out, led over 1f out, stayed on gamely final furlong
mid-division, lost place halfway, soon behind
chased leaders, lost place 6f out, no danger after
Former pointer Its Crucial can provide the answer to this tricky puzzle, with the penalised Trisons Star posing him the biggest threat from those to have raced in similar company under rules. Sunny Brook and Vital Spark both hail from yards that have to be respected with their runners in this sphere and are worth monitoring for signs of support from the betting ring. Similar comments apply to Major Royal, who connections like nothing more than to register a winner at this course. This speedily bred type is worth keeping tabs on whatever happens this afternoon. Trisons Star picks up a 7lb penalty after winner a similar contest at his local course at Perth in June. He did have to work very hard on that occasion and is one to wary of at likely cramped odds against these unexposed rivals. None of which make more appeal than Its Crucial, who has already shown a fair amount of ability between the flags. The Nigel Twiston-Davies camp have already been amongst the winners in this sort of grade since the National Hunt season stepped up a gear. So with there being no doubts about the well being of his runners, the Cheltenham-based trainer can strike again with Its Crucial in the finale at Carlisle.
