tracked leaders, went 2nd 5th, led going well before 2 out, shaken up and drew clear flat
held up in rear, steady headway when hit 5th, stayed on under pressure to chase winner when hit 2 out, no impression last
tracked leaders, weakened quickly before 2 out
in touch, ridden and lost place 4th, soon behind, tailed off 3 out
always behind, struggling before 3 out, tailed off
always in rear, tailed off before 3 out
took keen hold, hit 5th, ridden and outpaced after 3 out, stayed on under pressure to take 3rd flat
led and set steady pace, quickened after 2nd, ridden and headed before 2 out, weakened before last
took keen hold, soon tracked leader, lost 2nd at 5th, mistake 3 out, weakened before next
A fair race in prospect where a number of the field are open to improvement. However, the terms of the race give Mister Mustard the chance to shine and he is selected on the grounds of value over the likes of Bold Bishop and Simoun, who head the list of dangers, while the form Romantic Affair's debut run was given a solid boost by Made In Japan here yesterday and this useful recruit from the Flat is one to monitor in the betting today. However, he does need to improve on his first un and may need a little more time to adapt to this game. Simoun also has some sound form to his name from the other code and arrives here after a confidence boosting round at Taunton just over a fortnight ago. The son of Monsun faces a stiffer test here but will need to take it in his stride if he is to fulfil either of his Cheltenham entries at next months Festival. So too will Bold Bishop, who has done very little wrong in his races so far and rates as the biggest danger to the selection. However, Jonjo O'Neill, by his own admission, does not think the seven-year-old finds much when he is off the bridle and he will do well to carry a double penalty to victory today. Therefore, Mister Mustard is given a slender vote of confidence after a series of good performances in defeat. The Norwich gelding will no doubt have undergone schooling sessions after spoiling his chance in a stronger race than this at Ascot last time and should be primed to do himself justice if the recent form shown by some of his stablemates is anything to go by. The fact that he receives 8lb from Bold Bishop is another obvious plus for Mister Mustard and he will have no excuses if he suffers defeat this time around.
