in touch, ridden along from 5th, weakened after 7th
prominent, led 3rd, headed 4 out, soon ridden, kept on same pace, no chance with winner from 2 out
in touch, headway 6th, ridden approaching 4 out, one pace
held up, making headway when blundered 7th, soon ridden, one pace
held up, smooth headway from 5th, led on bit 4 out, clear when hit 2 out and last, eased flat
chased leaders, mistake 3rd, blundered 7th, soon weakened, pulled up before 2 out
led until 3rd, prominent, ridden and weakened after 7th
Alleged Slave gets a tentative vote over Jupon Vert and Sturm Und Drang in a tight handicap. Most of these have either won or been placed on a regular basis over the past six months and a closely-run affair may be in the offing. The likes of Saragann, Athnowen and Bill Owen will appeal as place possibles, but Alleged Slave seems to be on the upgrade and so is the selection. Alan King's charge has had just six outings over fences during his career and came good at Huntingdon last time, forcing the pace as usual. Similar tactics here should stand him in good stead against Jupon Vert who has been consistent without winning of late, and who appears to be weighted up to his best. Sturm Und Drang was a rather fortunate scorer at Taunton in August and has an absence to overcome. He has shown a bit of form here in the past though and may show up well on his return to the fray. However, we expect Alleged Slave to set out and gallop his rivals into the ground.
