held up in touch, headway 5f out, effort and chance 2f out, one pace final furlong
held up in touch, ridden and weakened 7f out
held up towards rear, headway on bit 4f out, challenged 2f out, ridden and not quickened approaching final furlong
towards rear, headway 7f out and in touch, ridden over 5f out, soon beaten
mid-division, weakened over 5f out
mid-division, weakened over 5f out
tracked leaders, weakened quickly halfway soon tailed off
in touch, headway half way, ridden and weakened 3f out
mid-division, ridden 7f out, soon weakened
held up in rear, well behind over 4f out, headway over 2f out, effort approaching final furlong, no extra towards finish
towards rear, headway and in touch over 6f out, effort over 2f out, no extra final furlong
with leader, effort and chance over 3f out, weakened 2f out
led, ridden and headed 3f out, no extra final 2f
Although it would be folly to suggest that this will be all one-way traffic for supporters of Alcopops, it has to be considered significant that Venetia Williams heads north with the gelding and he is given a confident vote to get the better of the Mick Easterby-trained pair of Buttress and Brownings Express, who are both worth monitoring in the betting for signs of support. As are The Weaver, who is sure to have learnt from his debut run at Mussleburgh, and Esh Bran Girl, who is clearly capable but has a little to prove regarding her temperament after refusing to race last time. The daughter of Shahrastani also has a penalty to overcome today and may be best watched for the time being. Therefore, Alcopops, who has raced in better company in both his previous starts, looks to be the safer option today. The son of Alderbrook sets a good standard after finding subsequent hurdles winner Bay Kenney too good at Hereford last time he ran. Alcopops looks open to acres of improvement and can start to pay his way by leading them all home here.
