chased leader to before 3 out, weakened quickly, tailed off when blundered 2 out
took keen hold, always behind, tailed off
took keen hold in touch, steady headway 6th, tracked leader before 3 out, led before next, soon clear
always rear, blundered 4th, tailed off
chased leaders, not fluent 5th, weakened after next, no chance when hit 2 out
held up in rear, headway into mid-division 6th, stayed on from 2 out, took third run-in, nearest finish
in touch, ridden 6th, stayed on one pace to take second at last, no chance with winner
in touch until weakened after 6th, tailed off
led, ridden 3 out, headed approaching 2 out when not fluent, weakened before last
chased leaders to after 6th, soon weakened
held up in mid-division, effort when not much room and hampered on rail after 3 out, one pace and beaten when mistake last
took keen hold, held up in mid-division, weakened 6th, tailed off
An open race to start the card where plenty of the field arrive with solid claims. However. Lord Of Beauty is going the right way and can provide Noel Chance with a welcome winner if he continues to thrive in the way he has shown to date. Sharp Rigging and Famous Grouse are others that have shown that they have races within them and are others to monitor for signs of support. While it would also be dangerous to rule out a bold bid from The Local, who can race with the pace and can do his bit to ensure that there is no hanging around once the tapes go up. However, he has not really been noted as strong finisher in his previous starts over hurdles and will need to work very hard if he is to repeat his course and distance success from February. Therefore, with his attitude proven and his versatility regarding the trip unquestioned, Lord Of Beauty could be too much of a handful to deal with if he negotiates a clear round today. Ede's is another to place on the list of alternatives but his 7lb penalty for winning a muddling race here last month leaves him with no easy task at the weights in this company.
