mid-division, ridden after 4 out, soon weakened, broke blood vessel
held up in rear, ridden approaching 3 out, stayed on, not reach leaders
mid-division, ridden and weakened 3 out
always in rear, behind when pulled up before 2 out
held up, ridden after 4 out, soon weakened
held up towards rear, driven and headway approaching 3 out, led 2 out, challenged last, ridden out
held up rear, smooth headway on inside after 3 out, every chance when mistake last, not recover
held up in touch and keen, ridden 3 out, kept on one pace
in touch, ridden 4 out, faded approaching last
held up mid-division, ridden and staying on when bad mistake last, soon recovered, ran on well
led until blundered and unseated rider 1st
in touch to halfway
mid-division, ridden and weakened 4 out
tracked leaders, led 4th, ridden and weakening when headed approaching 2 out
held up towards rear, ridden and some headway 3 out, soon one pace
prominent until ridden and weakened 3 out
led 2nd, headed 4th, slightly hampered bend soon after, close up and every chance when hit 3 out, soon lost place
mid-division, went prominent 3 out, never dangerous
tracked leaders until ridden 3 out, weakened next
With 21 runners set to face the starter this is, without doubt, the most competitive event of the afternoon. Trainer Philip Hobbs saddles two, Quiet Water and Rift Valley, with narrow preference for the latter who won in decisive fashion at Fakenham last time. However, he was able to dominate in a smaller field that day and may not be able to do so here. Martin Pipe's Samsaam had some decent form on the level over staying trips and, although disappointing so far over hurdles, is certainly potentially well treated. He could be interesting having had a two month break. Nicky Henderson's Just Murphy is a consistent performer and should again be thereabouts but a doubt remains concerning the form of the stable's horses so he may be best watched at present. The nine-year-old Burundi, Kim Bailey's Metal Detector and Tip Kash have all been in reasonable heart recently and warrant respect but the vote goes to Barcelona. Gary Moore's gelding lost no caste in defeat behind Anatar over course and distance last month and has obvious claims off the same mark with the likely strong pace sure to suit.
