raced wide, chased winner throughout, ridden approaching 3 out, held from 2 out
made all, shaken up after 4 out, ran on well, readily
held up last, ridden after 4 out, stayed on to go 3rd last, never troubled leading pair
A fascinating race where FIX THE RIB can land the contest at the expense of Free World and Heathcote. A keen traveller in his races, he has performed creditably at the lesser tracks over the last couple of months and having jumped well at Plumpton, it is to be hoped that he can translate his form across to Kempton this afternoon. Free World's sights look to have been significantly lowered from aspirations of the Arkle. Nicholls tries a tongue-tie in an attempt to galvanise improvement from him but he has racked up a couple of short price losses and he still has a question to answer about the ability to see out two miles. Quicker ground may assist. Heathcote appears to be second choice of the Moore pair on jockey bookings. He was faced with a simple task at Fontwell when his only serious rival crashed out of the early juncture but he was a fair handicapper over hurdles prior to the switch to the larger obstacles. Kingham didn't run a bad race at Uttoxeter though this looks a tougher assignment. Ouste looks outclassed. Fix The Rib can make full use of the weight concession to take this prize.
