held up towards rear, headway approaching 4 out, soon ridden, went 2nd 3 out, kept on
led to 2nd, chased leader and mistake 6th and 14th, soon lost place, weakened 16th, tailed off
mid-division, headway 13th to chase leader, ridden 16th, not quicken
held up towards rear, hampered bend after 13th, weakened 16th, pulled up before 4 out
chased leader, led after 2nd, pushed along approaching 2 out, soon clear, easily
held up last, mistake 10th, some headway 14th, went 2nd 4 out, ridden and weakened 3 out
prominent, headway 15th, ridden 4 out, one pce
In this chase the vote goes to Almost Broke, but there are many that can be rated as dangers. The selection hails from the stable of this track's leading handler and, lightly-raced, he has created a favourable impression in winning his last two starts. The latest came at Chepstow and it could be that a 10-pound ratings rise has understandably understated his full ability. Looking at the others and Zaffamore came back to form last time with a Ludlow win for which he has been raised five pounds. Limerick Leader has a chequered jumping career but has a chance if putting it all together. Carryonharry has been beaten twice since being revised following his Ludlow win but is another that has to be afforded a chance. Fox In The Box's Newbury third to Willie John Daly off today's mark has a pretty decent ring to it, while hold-up tactics were successfully applied to Bathwick Annie last time when she came good over course and distance and, despite being raised nine pounds for that success, she won well on that occasion, her confidence is on a high and she can also go well. King On The Run has also to be afforded some respect as he is now rated six pounds below the mark from which he won at Kempton in January 2002. However, he has been seen only once since and it would be a fine performance from his trainer to bring him back with a win. Once again, then, Almost Broke created a very favourable impression when scoring at Chepstow last time and, despite having been raised 10 pounds for that victory, can continue along his upward curve of improvement and win again.
