tracked winner, blundered 7th, ridden and lost place 4 out, no chance from next
in rear, blundered 11th, lost touch from 4 out, tailed off
jumped left throughout, tracked leaders, headway to go second 4 out, ridden 2 out, kept on, no chance with winner
made all, quickened halfway, clear 4 out, hit 2 out, stayed on well, comfortably
The Merry Mason has shown improved form over fences this term but was found wanting in a handicap off a mark of 97 over course and distance just over two weeks ago and preference is for High Cotton, who gets the vote ahead of Briar's Mist. The selection has a BHB rating of 109 and while he has so far proven to be expensive to follow, Keith Reveley's gelding is sure to have been well schooled for his return to action and looks to have been found a suitable opportunity to gain an overdue first success over fences. With Dancer Polish no better than moderate, Briar's Mist rates the best of the remainder. Chris Grant's gelding showed enough in two starts in Ireland in the spring to suggest that he can be competitive here but High Cotton has an obvious chance on his best and gets the vote.
