mid-division, hit 3rd, headway at 3 out, soon ridden, weakened approaching last
chased leaders, blundered badly 4th, headway 3 out, ridden to go second next, kept on under pressure, no chance with winner
raced keenly, led to after 3rd, chased leaders, lost place 3 out, soon weakened
always prominent, led 3 out, pushed clear approaching next, stayed on well easily
raced keenly towards rear, headway 3 out, ridden next, blundered last, kept on, never troubled leaders
held up towards rear, headway 3 out, ridden after next, stayed on well to go 3rd flat, no impression
mid-division, ridden and outpaced 3 out, behind when fell next
chased leaders to after 5th, ridden 3 out, weakening when mistake next
tracked leader, led after 3rd, headed 3 out, ridden after next, weakened flat
mid-division, headway 5th, lost place after 3 out, soon weakened
towards rear when fell 4th
always behind, tailed off from 3 out
The three to concentrate on here are Freedom Now, Basinet and Groesfaen Lad, and we will take Freedom Now to do the trick. The gelding's 105-rated performance when second to Mister Moussac at Hexham is June is the best form on offer here, and we can forget his latest start on the Flat at Thirsk, as that was over a trip he clearly did not see out in that sphere. This is much more like it and if he handles the ground all right then he can score. Basinet makes a rare hurdling appearance and is moderate on the level, though he has been rated in the 60s at his best. The gelding has been knocking on the door in CLass E company on the level just lately, and provided he remembers how to tackle the timber then we can see him making the frame. Evan Williams has his runners in peak condition at the moment, and so Groesfaen Lad is respected. His one length defeat by Alroyal at Uttoxeter last time reads well in the context of this race and a similar effort would surely also see him pick up prize money again. However Freedom Now is the one to beat here and we are happy to side with him.
