held up in touch, ridden approaching 5 out, weakened before next
led, ridden and headed 3 out, rallied to lead after last, driven out
not fluent, towards rear, headway approaching 4 out, ridden and one pace from next
held up in rear, headway halfway, tracking leaders 7th, every chance 4 out, weakened approaching 2 out
tracked leaders, led 3 out, soon ridden, headed after last, no extra towards finish
close up, every chance 4 out, ridden 3 out, rallied approaching last, every chance run in, held close home
It has taken Mexican a little bit of time to get used to fences but he showed that he defiantly going the right way at Catterick in January and he is fancied to confirm recent form with the penalised Young Chevalier, who represents a live danger now he has got his act together and is due to go up 4lb from Saturday, and Stormy Beech, who is closely matched with Gofagold on recent form. However, Mexican could represent the better value on these terms as he looks fairly treated on a mark of just 101. Mickey Hammond's charge will appreciate the anticipated underfoot conditions and a better display than his effort last time is anticipated on this slightly faster going. Young Chevalier has plenty of scope for improvement but his connections are somewhat forced to play their hand by the handicapper and he may not be one to go overboard about if the market overreacts to his status of being 'well in' today. Martin Todhunter's representative also has a little to find with Mexican on a literal reading of their Newcastle form and, as the Hammond runner is likely to be twice the price of his rival, he gets a slender vote as the value selection
