in touch until blundered and unseated rider 8th
held up towards rear, headway 5th, led 9th, clear 2 out, comfortably
always behind, tailed off and pulled up before 10th
mistake and rider lost iron 1st, never going well and always behind, pulled up before 3 out
chased leaders, hit 6th and 10th, pressed winner from next, soon ridden, kept on same pace
held up, headway approaching 10th, ridden approaching 3 out, one pace after
chased leaders, reminders after 5th, lost touch from 8th, pulled up before 10th
led until 9th, ridden and weakened approaching 3 out
in touch, headway after 9th, chased winner approaching 2 out, second and held when jumped left at last
always towards rear
in touch, ridden and weakening when mistake 10th
chased leaders, mistakes 1st and 2nd, weakened after 9th, pulled up before 3 out
This is a real puzzle of a contest and Fearless Mel is just preferred to Even More and Jollyshau. Heather Dalton's eleven-year-old comes here in great heart having landed a similar event over course and distance last time. He was aided by the fall late on of his nearest rival, but nevertheless the opposition was of the same quality as today's and a big run can be expected. Jollyshau had the selection back in third when winning at Huntingdon last time. There is little change in the weights but Fearless Mel appeared to improve next time should be up to reversing the form. Even more has to shoulder top-weight and although well beaten on his last two outings, he is capable of going close on his best form. Yann's and Mr Nemo could prove best of the remainder, but on this occasion Fearless Mel looks the pick of the handicap and gets the vote
