behind, struggling after 3rd, soon beaten
tracked leaders, every chance approaching 3 out, stayed on same pace
mid-division, ridden to challenge after 5th, soon beaten
held up, headway halfway, chased leaders 3 out, kept on same pace
always behind
Mister Graham is only 2lbs higher than when scoring over course and distance in May but has shown very little since than and may be best watched so preference is for The Last Mohican, who gets the vote over Misbehaviour. The last mentioned is a consistent performer in this grade but probably remains a shade high in the weights at present. Shalaal is well treated on his old form but has not shown anything like that for some time and is easily discounted and of more interest may be Moose Malloy, who was not disgraced in a better race than this at Market Rasen last time. Stablemates Princess Stephanie and Prince Ivor face no easy task from out of the handicap, while Glory of Love has a long absence to overcome which leaves us with The Last Mohican. Paul Howling's five-year-old comes here fit, and in reasonable form, from the flat and remains relatively well treated on his return to the winter game. The Last Mohican looks the best bet in a moderate opener.
