led to 4th, led again 5th, headed 7th, remained prominent until weakened quickly and pulled up before 11th
held up in mid-division, headway halfway and in touch, close 4th when fell 4 out
tracked leaders, led 7th, ridden 3 out, stayed on strongly
towards rear, weakened quickly 9th, behind when pulled up before next
mid-division, headway halfway, chasing leaders 5 out, mistake and left 3rd 4 out, weakened
close up, led 4th to 5th, mistake 7th, pushed along and lost place 9th, left remote 4th 4 out, kept on one pace from 2 out, no impression on leaders
held up in rear, headway halfway, chasing leaders 5 out, left 2nd 4 out, soon ridden and effort, one pace after 2 out
towards rear, weakened halfway, tailed off when pulled up before 11th
in touch, headway and close up 5 out, close 3rd when fell 4 out
mid-division, pushed along and dropped rear 7th, behind when fell 4 out
The feature race on today's card can go the way of Trouble Ahead over Top Buck, Hallyards Gael and All Sonsilver. At the age of 13, Trouble Ahead is certainly in the twilight of his career and it would be nice if he were to capture this prize. On recent form there is no reason why he should not judged on his latest victory at Ascot. The old horse likes it here as well, having won over fences last spring, and in fact made his debut here in bumper-company in 1997. He tried to make the running at Wincanton last time but folded four out so is no good thing here, but with Mick Fitzgerald an eye catching booking, he should make a bold bid to atone. Top Buck has not had a lot of action over fences given his age, and was going quite well when falling at Kempton last time. He is interesting along with Hallyards Gael from the powerful Len Lungo yard. He has gone well here in the past and can figure in proceedings, along with All Sonsilver who is a progressive novice. Moss Harvey has never recaptured his old hurdles form since going chasing and Xaipete will be doing all his best work at the finish as usual. Mohera King hails from a stable now definitely out of the doldrums, but Trouble Ahead has fitness on his side and can defy topweight.
