mid-division until weakened 8th
tracked leader to 5th, led next, quickened 8th, headed approaching 3 out, ridden when blundered 2 out, weakened quickly
led till headed 6th, in touch, weakened 8th
held up tracking leaders, went 2nd 7th, led approaching 3 out, clear 2 out, driven out flat
held up towards rear, ridden and headway 9th, went 2nd 2 out, kept on well after last
in rear, ridden and some headway 8th, never dangerous
in touch, ridden 6th, weakening when pulled up before 3 out
held up in rear, headway 7th, in touch when pulled up quickly before 9th
mistakes in rear, tailed off when pulled up before 3 out
A modest affair which should take little winning can go to Saint Romble. The Philip Hobbs-trained gelding had shown little in novice events but is well treated as a consequence and took full advantage to justify favouritism over this trip at Ascot in December. The six-year-old failed for stamina over a longer trip in testing conditions next time but remains on a fair mark and should prove hard to beat back over his optimum trip on this quicker surface. Joey Tribbiani has proved a frustrating type and is still a maiden over both codes so looks worth opposing once again while La Colina is yet to convince over the larger obstacles and has something to prove after exiting last time. Red Oassis should be sharper for last month's return but Athnowen looks weighted up to his best at present and is likely to find this on the sharp side.
