held up in touch and very keen, went 2nd approaching 4 out, led 2 out, pushed out
led, headed 2 out hanging left, soon one pace
held up, ridden and headway after 7th, soon no impression
chased leader to 7th, soon ridden and weakened
behind, slow jump 1st, some headway 7th, soon weakened
held up, effort 7th, soon weakened and behind
held up towards rear, mistake 6th, headway 7th, soon weakened
chased leaders, went 2nd 6th, ridden and weakened quickly before 4 out and pulled up
held up towards rear, ridden 5th, in rear when pulled up
pulled hard in rear, jumped left 2nd, ridden 5th, weakening when mistake 5th and pulled up
Sure to be plenty of pace on here which will suit Middlethorpe, who is forgiven his below par run of three weeks ago and is fancied to hold off the challenges of Crazy Horse and Maceo, who both have form that ties in with the selection. The first named ran his best race, for what seems an eternity last time - when he rallied to the task to stay on past beaten horses near the finish. However, all his best form has been over further than this and he is far from a reliable option for a repeat dose today. Maceo, although a previous course winner, is also on a long losing run and, despite his claims at the weights, may find one or two have his measure. Bolshio Ballet won a weaker race than this at Uttoxeter back in May and is now 6lb higher. His reappearance effort was nothing to be getting excited about and he in turn will struggle to repel Middlethorpe if we see him in his best light this afternoon.
