towards rear, pushed along over 4f out, some late headway but never near to challenge
towards rear, pushed along and headway over 3f out, ridden over 2f out, one pace final furlong
mid-division, chased along over 6f out, soon behind
prominent, pushed along over 4f out, ridden and stayed on same paced final 2f
led, headed after 1f, remained in touch, regained lead over 3f out, ridden and headed 2f out, weakened final furlong
towards rear, headway over 4f out, never dangerous
held up mid-division, headway over 3f out, ridden to lead 2f out, pushed out final furlong
prominent, pushed along over 4f out, soon well beaten
in touch, led after 1f, headed over 3f out, soon behind
towards rear, headway over 3f out, ridden over 2f out, stayed on final furlong
Forbearing is the pick in the opener, with Righty Ho, Ellway Heights and Regency Red others who may be involved in the finish. Forbearing was successful no less than eight times for Sir Mark Prescott, and even managed to win a couple of times over timber for Martin Pipe, but it has to be said that he has been very disappointing to watch on his last two outings. He was very reluctant to go through with his effort back on the Flat at Leicester and was also turned over when odds-on at Bath last time. He has now joined John O' Shea and it is hoped that the change of stables will rejuvenate the enigmatic gelding. He should be freshened up after a break, and with his stable in a little bit of form at present, may turn back the clock to prevail. Bill Tinning sent out the winner of this race 12 months ago and also sent out Righty Ho who finished sixth. He has been campaigned at a slightly higher level since and may appreciate the drop in grade. Ellway Heights was a prolific winner last year but has struggled a bit since going up the weights. This company should ensure that he too goes better than of late, while stablemate Regency Red has shown little in two runs since a long absence. A tentative vote only goes to Forbearing.