in touch, went 2nd 8th, left 5 lengths clear 2 out, ridden and rider dropped whip last, headed and no extra final 100 yards
led, jumped right 4th, headed 6th, ridden and weakened from 12th, tailed off
in rear, ridden from 7th, stayed on under pressure from 4 out, left 5 lengths 2nd 2 out, stayed on under pressure to lead final 100 yards
tracked leaders, led 6th, mistake 8th, 3 lengths clear when stumbled landing and unseated rider 2 out
prominent, lost place and struggling from 10th, tailed off
in touch, effort 4 out, ridden and weakened next
held up in rear, mistake 8th, stayed on under pressure from 4 out, left 3rd and slightly hampered after 2 out, one pace last
Recent winners Peccadillo and Skycab along with the consistent Devon View have claims but maginal preference is for Hermes III. The Nicky Henderson-trained gelding has a progressive profile winning his first three starts of the campaign including over course and distance before running a highly creditable third, beaten three lengths, behind Lady Cricket in a valuable handicap at Cheltenham in late January. The eight-year-old ran as though something was amiss on a return visit to Prestbury Park last month but is taken to bounce back to form at this level. Skycab and Peccadillo have both been raised 6lb for their latest wins at Stratford and Ascot respectively but this is a tougher assignment so Devon View, who won twice over fences earlier in the season, may prove a bigger danger particularly if the rain arrives.
