prominent, not fluent 5th, lost place 9th, soon ridden, headway approaching 11th, led approaching last, driven clear flat, eased near finish
prominent until weakened after 10th, tailed off when pulled up before 3 out
held up, mistake 10th, behind when pulled up after 2 out
mid-division, headway to lead 9th, ridden and headed approaching last, no extra flat
held up towards rear, ridden and headway approaching 11th, 4th and weakening when mistake 3 out
held up, hit 6th, headway 9th, 3rd and weakening when mistake 2 out
held up towards rear, ridden after 8th, behind from 11th
A very tricky contest where Russian Gigolo and Regal Chance will have their supporters, however Stone Cold could be the one to land the spoils. Tim Easterby's gelding wasn't winning out of turn when landing a decent Carlisle handicap back in early November and his since performed well in defeat against good opposition at Catterick and Newcastle. He still appears to be on a good mark and can regain the winning thread. Russian Gigolo hit form at Uttoxeter last month getting the better of Mount Prague, that was his first attempt at the larger obstacles and further improvement can be expected. Regal Chance has been off the track since March when easily beating a modest bunch at Huntingdon, his connections are having a great season so he has to be respected. Superb Leader is also in with a shout if he can polish up his jumping, but Stone Cold looks the pick of the weights and is taken to oblige.
