in touch, headway after 3 out, soon ridden and no impression, weakened and lost moderate approaching last
with leader, led 3rd, soon headed, stayed prominent, led again 3 out, hit next, clear when hit last, ridden and drew clear flat
in touch, headway 3 out, stayed on to go moderate 2nd approaching last, no chance with winner
prominent to 4th, soon behind, tailed off
tracked leaders, ridden and no chance from 3 out
pulled hard behind leaders, led after 3rd, mistake and headed 3 out, weakened quickly
not jumped well, always behind
French raider Peppercorn can be expected to have improved for his debut at Newbury and will be better suited to the sharper Sunbury track, but he faces a stiff test against some promising types. Nicky Henderson has hit form with a vengeance of late and his Caracciola is sure to have plenty of support following his win at Newbury last week, where he was one of five winners for the yard. However, the one to be with is Victor Dartnell's imposing six-year-old Lord Sam. A dual bumper winner, he made the successful transition to timber when handing out a beating to Inca Trail at Sandown. The latter is a half-brother to Gold Cup winner Best Mate and had been spoken of in glowing terms by his handler Henrietta Knight. Although it is early days, Lord Sam looks as though he could take high rank among the novice hurdlers and should take this en route to better things. Porak has more to do than when winning his novice at Ascot and Sharmy doesn't look to be progressing.
