held up in rear, headway 11th, close 4th when fell 5 out
held up towards rear, pushed along 12th, ridden and weakened after next
tracked leaders, led approaching 4th, headed and mistake 3 out, hit next and no extra
led, headed approaching 4th, remained close up, hit 10th, ridden 4 out, led next, stayed on strongly
tracked leaders, lost place 11th, ridden 13th, soon weakened, tailed off and pulled up after 4 out
in touch, headway 11th, pushed along 13th, ridden 4 out, stayed on to chase winner 2 out, one pace under pressure
A tight betting heat featuring a number of in-form rivals and narrow preference is for Bobayaro while Royal Castle, Running Mute and Strong Tartan rate as the main dangers. The Nicky Richards-rained gelding has been in excellent heart of late, winning his last three starts over fences in the style of a most progressive performer, and looks capable of defying top weight following a highly impressive 23-length win in a novice over course and distance last month. Royal Castle has proved a most versatile performer, winning on the Flat as well as over hurdles and fences, but was well below his best on his latest start on the level and may be worth opposing on this occasion. Running Mute incurs a 7lb penalty for a narrow success here last time but is the least exposed and may be open to further improvement particularly for the step up in trip so has to be respected along with recent easy Hexham winner Strong Tartan but Bobayaro looks worth following and gets the vote to complete a four-timer.
