led until fell 4th
tracked leaders, left in lead 4th, ridden after 2 out, kept on all out
in touch, headway 4th, ridden approaching 2 out, weakened
mid-division until weakened after 5th
well behind, good headway after 5th, lot to do approaching 2 out, strong run approaching last, just failed
held up towards rear, headway after 5th, soon ridden, weakened approaching 2 out
mid-division, headway approaching 4th, weakened quickly after next, pulled up before 2 out
held up towards rear, steady headway from 3rd, chased leaders and ridden approaching 2 out, weakend flat
chased leaders until weakened rapidly and pulled up before 3rd
mid-division, outpaced approaching 5th, stayed on from 2 out
A competitive but moderate event in which several of the 17b runners have claims including Queens Brigade, Neptune and Quabmatic but a chance is taken with Devote, who should strip fitter after two previous starts this term. The selection has been quietly fancied in each of his outings to date, both in Leicester sellers, and may do better now that he is returned to handicap-company. Quabmatic has gradually been slipping down the weights but is difficult to fancy in his current form and of more interest at the top end of the handicap is the Philip Hobbs-trained Everready, who makes his debut in this grade. He is another that may do better now that he runs in a handicap but is less easy to evaluate than the selection. Croker has claims if fit after a long absence, while Neptune, who has not raced over hurdles for some time, has had a recent outing on the flat. He has to be respected but would probably prefer a faster surface. Selling winner Queens Brigade seems to be in the grip of the handicapper at present. Big Max reverts to hurdling after a spell chasing and is another worthy of a mention but we are happy to stick with Jimmy Frost's Devote, who holds solid claims.
