in mid-division, 5th and one pace when hit last
chased leader to 7th, stayed chasing leading pair, no extra when hit last
behind, pulled up before 6th
led, ridden and headed between last 2, weakened approaching last
mid-division, headway to chase leaders from 7th, close up when mistake 3 out and weakened
behind, headway to chase leaders 4 out, weakening when mistake 2 out
prominent to 6th, soon behind, tailed off
always behind
in touch, ridden after 7th, weakened 4 out
in mid-division, stumbled 3rd, behind from 4 out
in touch, chased leading pair from 3 out, led between last 2, driven and kept on well flat, no extra and headed last strides
mid-division, weakened after 7th, tailed off and pulled up before last
in touch, joined leader 7th, hard ridden to chase leader approaching last, rallied well under pressure flat, led last strides
behind, effort and in touch 4 out, weakened next
prominent, ridden 6th, mistake next, soon lost place and behind
chased leaders to after 4 out, weakened and behind when blundered 2 out
always behind, tailed off when pulled up before 4 out
in touch, weakened after 7th, tailed off when pulled up before last
A tough race in which all of the major stables have sent out representatives. Of those to have faced the starter, Red Devil Robert, Twenty Degrees and Beau Supreme look to have the best form. We will tentatively opt for Red Devil Robert. Paul Nicholls' charge was last seen when backed for a decent Ascot prize over three miles. There must have been something amiss on the day as he ran well for the majority of the race before folding in a matter of strides. Connections have been patient and this horse is much better than his bare formbook figures suggest. Twenty Degrees has faced plenty of meaningful opposition in his previous races and looks the type who should improve for a step up in trip. The yard are in form and anything is possible. Beau Supreme has placed previously in four point-to-points and two novice hurdles. He has a race in him but is prone to putting in the odd error. Of the remainder, Born Leader has yet to turn in a decent run since transferring over hurdles but holds claims on the best of his bumper form. Amicelli ran a pleasing enough race at Fontwell earlier this month but conditions are much tougher. Having considered the evidence, we will stick with Red Devil Robert.
