held up towards rear, ridden approaching 5th, soon weakened, tailed off from 4 out
in touch, went prominent after 4th, ridden after next, every chance 3 out, weakened approaching next
tracked leader and keen, left in lead 4th, headed next, ridden after 3 out, weakened approaching last
led, clear approaching 2nd, one length clear when ran out and crashed through wing 4th
in touch, lost place 5th, weakened after next, tailed off from 3 out
not fluent 3rd, headway approaching 4 out, led on bit approaching 2 out, quickened approaching last, comfortably
tracked leaders and keen, mistake 3rd, led 5th, mistake 3 out, soon ridden, headed and not fluent 2 out, eased when beaten
held up in touch, headway 4th, ridden 4 out, not fluent next, soon weakened
held up, headway approaching 4 out, ridden after next, every chance 2 out, one pace approaching last
Plenty with chances in this novices' handicap including the topweight Border Star, from the Malcolm Jefferson stable, who returned to winning ways at Stratford last time. However, a 7lb rise for that looks harsh and we would rather look elsewhere. Arm And A Leg beat what was probably a moderate lot at Worcester last time and it is unlikely that he will be able to overcome his hefty rise. Norman Mason's Sober Hill is undoubtedly better than his recent form suggests and should not be discounted, while Domquista d'Or, who has been placed in his last two starts, should again be thereabouts. However, the TEAMtalk selection is the Jim Neville-trained Moon Spinner. The son of Elmaamul, who was bred by The Queen, has so far failed to live up to expectations but has seemingly been let in lightly for his handicap debut and, with Tony McCoy taking the ride for the first time, he will get maximum assistance from the saddle.
