in touch, mistake 4 out and next, ridden and beaten when hampered 2 out, soon one pace
in touch, lost place approaching 3 out, ridden and kept on after 2 out, no extra flat
tracked winner, disputed lead 5th to approaching 7th, led briefly 4 out, still every chance when slipped landing and fell 2 out
led, headed briefly 4 out, left clear 2 out, easily
held up in touch, not fluent 9th, mistake next, reminder after 11th, ridden after 4 out, beaten when mistake 2 out
Last year's race was won by Shooting Light, although it is doubtful that any of today's runners will match his subsequent efforts. Saragann has been raised ten pounds in the ratings since his last win, over half-a-mile shorter. Nordic Crest stays three miles well, was just touched off on his last run and is now fitted with a first-time visor. He has not raced for 488 days. Raised six pounds for a Kempton win last time - under a vintage Tony McCoy ride - Perfect Fellow has clearly had his problems but also has ability. Most of his runs, though, have come with ease in the ground. The Major should strip fitter for his seasonal bow and seems at his best going left-handed. The highest rating that Hurricane Lamp has won from is 131 and today races off 134. He has not run for 151 days but has proven that he can run well fresh. It's an interesting but tricky event, the TEAMtalk vote going to the fitter-than-most The Major.
