held up in last pair, headway and in touch when hit 3 out, stayed on to take 2nd run-in, no impression on leading pair
tracked leader, led 6th, joined 2 out, kept on under pressure flat until headed final 150 yards
in touch, hit 6th, behind from next, tailed off
held up towards rear, stayed on under pressure between last two, never going pace to trouble leaders
held up towards rear, effort after 3 out, ridden next, 6th and beaten when fell last
led to 6th, weakened quickly next
in touch, chased leaders and chance 2 out, ridden and weakened before last
held up in last pair, struggling 4 out and soon tailed off
chased leaders, effort under pressure approaching 2 out, 4th and weakening when hit last
mistakes, all behind
held up in touch, effort to join leader 2 out, stayed on gamely under pressure to lead final 50 yards
tracked leaders, chased leader 6th, weakening when hampered on bend between last three
Tumbling Dice can land the finale ahead of One Nation, Lord of Beauty and Blue Americo. Tumbling Dice has been switched here by Tom Taaffe having initially said to have been heading for the big Irish festivals this Christmas. A wide margin winner at Punchestown on his previous start - he is still improving and should have no problems with the trip or going. One Nation is set to be racing at Wincanton ahead of this engagement but he ran well enough at Warwick to suggest that he could follow up that recent success. Lord of Beauty's recent success at Doncaster was given a terrific boost by third-placed King Revo's recent Cheltenham win. He remains on the upgrade and is chasing a three-timer. Blue Americo has had a charmed life this term for Paul Nicholls. He has ability in spades although in this field there is the distinct possibility that there might not be an opportunity to fully utilise his closing speed. Croix De Guerre has continued to creep up the handicap without winning while Famous Grouse, who was formerly trained on the level by Roger Charlton, looks interesting among those at the bottom of the handicap. The way in which he won at Aintree suggesting that he could be capable of a couple more victories before the end of term. Plenty of future winners on view and Tumbling Dice secures our selection by the narrowest of margins.
