tracked leaders, tracked leader after 3rd, led 4 out, ridden approaching 2 out, headed run in, no extra
held up, ridden and headway approaching 3 out, no impression from 2 out
towards rear, hit 3rd, ridden after 4 out, soon weakened
mid-division, lost place 4th, not fluent next, pushed along, headway and every chance 3 out, kept on same pace from next
led, soon clear, headed 4 out, ridden approaching 2 out, weakened approaching last
always behind, ridden approaching weakened approaching 3 out
tracked leaders in 3rd, pushed along and outpaced 4 out, hard ridden approaching 2 out, ran on to lead on run in, ridden out
mid-division, ridden and headway approaching 3 out, no impression approaching last
The burden of 12st for Tikram is slightly off-putting, but this is a tightly knit contest on official ratings and he has enough scope to give a bold show; despite giving weight away all round. He has only raced over hurdles six times in his career so far and the better ground should aid his case today. Eastern Tribute has the size and compass to make into a decent chaser and should come into himself in that arena. However, he is shaping up nicely over timber and should be able to build on his victory at Kelso at the beginning of the month. He is still well weighted with Ebinzayd on that outing and should confirm the form. Double Blade and Zsarabak hail from in-form stables and are also entitled to respect, the latter being just preferred of the two. This is his time of year and considering his trainer's record at Aintree's last meeting, he should not be too lightly dismissed.
