held up, headway approaching 3 out, every chance and ridden last, not quicken
led, mistake 6th, headed out, weakened quickly after 3 out
tracked leaders, led 2 out, pushed clear run in
chased leaders, went left 7th, ridden approaching next, stayed on from 2 out to take 3rd after last, not troubled leaders
tracked leader, led 8th, headed 2 out, soon ridden, kept on same pace
Samsaam can shrug off topweight to get the better of Beau Coup and Deferlant. Samsaam was a Group winner in France and second in the Yorkshire Cup in his time with John Dunlop, and since going hurdling has surprisingly gained just two victories. The latest of those was at Uttoxeter in June of last year when things fell right for him. Tony McCoy was not overly impressed, describing the race as 'little better than a seller', and so we should not get too carried away with his chance here. However, he shaped well enough when third at Newton Abbot in June on what was his first outing for a year, and if on his best behaviour, will surely take the beating in this lowly company. Beau Coup finally opened his account in May when successful at Newton Abbot but was that just a flash in the pan? We will find out today, and Deferlant, who gained his first win for two years at Fontwell in September, will need things to pan out if he is to add to that. He was fairly useful a couple of years ago though and it would be no surprise if he did run a big race. However, in the belief that Samsaam cannot have totally lost his ability, we take him to bounce back to form here.
