held up in rear, brief effort 3 out, soon beaten, tailed off when blundered last
took keen hold, tracked leaders, outpaced and beaten 3 out
behind, brief effort 10th, soon beaten
tracked leader, led 8th, hit next, clear from 3 out, hit next, stayed on strongly
held up in touch, chased winner 10th to after 2 out, went 2nd again flat but no impression
in touch, chased winner under pressure after 2 out, no impression when lost 2nd flat
led, hit 6th, headed 8th, lost 2nd and weakened from 10th
always in rear, driven after 5th, lost touch from 8th, tailed off from next
Gralmano is clearly on the upgrade and will certainly need to be if he is to defy this 13lbs higher mark for his Wetherby success and with that in mind Therealbandit, in receipt of 22lbs gets the vote. Well placed to win four minor events this year, Martin Pipe's progressive six-year-old hasn't been extended in his last three and there still looks plenty more to come from him. Gralmano has plenty of experience, both on the flat and over hurdles and turned in his best effort over timber to date when staying on strongly to beat Royal Emperor at Wetherby. With no doubts about ground or trip, he will be tough to beat, despite the Handicapper doing his best to stop him from adding to that success. Blue Ride is another progressive type and as he has already proved his effectiveness over course and distance, he will be a threat to all, despite creeping up in the weights. Sonevafushi often ruins his chance with some sloppy hurdling. A strong travelling type, he has yet to prove he stays this far. Ambry is 9lbs higher than his last winning mark and may find this too competitive in any case, while Auetaler, who hasn't won for over two years and Ennel Boy look to face stiff tasks from out of the handicap. So, this looks likely to be fought out by a couple of improving types in Blue Ride and Therealbandit with the latter getting the nod.
