tracked leader, stalked leader going well after 2 out, strong challenge to lead last, kept on well run-in
led, ridden when pressed approaching the last, soon headed, battled on bravely but no extra closing stages
held up in last, not fluent 6th, smooth headway after 2 out and tracked leader, every chance when made challenge last, always held when ridden on the run-in
tracked leader, travelled keenly early stages, not fluent 2 out, soon outpaced and tailed off
An interesting quintet, none of which can be ruled out with confidence. Faivoir, seeking a fifth win of the campaign, will inevitably be popular for the Skeltons, but does have to give weight away all round. TORN AND FRAYED, enjoying a good season too, still seems on the upgrade and just gets the nod in receipt of 4lb from the topweight with trip and ground to suit. Tamar Bridge, hard to assess after landing a two-horse affair last time, certainly has potential and is not discounted and Witness Protection returns to calmer waters after being well beaten in the Coral Cup here last month. Nickelsonthedime may be best watched on this first run back since wind surgery.
Faivoir (FR) 1-7fav (11-11) Led, shaken up before 3 out, not fluent last, driven, hung left and headed flat, rallied towards finish, led again close home, won at Newbury 2m 5f (3) gs in Mar beating Will Carver (11-1) by 1/2l, 3 ran.
Torn And Frayed (FR) 8-13fav (11-7) Made all, ridden clear 2 out, eased flat, won at Fakenham 2m 4f (4) gd in Mar beating Take Your Time (11-7) by 20l, 5 ran.
Witness Protection (IRE) 33-1 (10-1) Chased leaders, went 2nd 3rd, hit 6th lost 2nd between last 2, weakened quickly before the last, 21st of 26, 35 1/2l behind Heaven Help Us (10-9) at Cheltenham 2m 5f hcp (1) gs in Mar.
Nickelsonthedime (IRE) 15-8 (11-0) Led, almost joined 4 out, narrow advantage when mistake 3 out and headed, ridden when not fluent 2 out, weakening when fell last, at Ascot 2m 6f mdn (3) sft in Dec.
Tamar Bridge (IRE) 4-11fav (11-2) Soon led, headed 3rd, led after 5th, headed 4 out, led before not fluent 3 out, went left last, easily drew away from sole rival flat, won at Ayr 2m 4f (4) hvy in Mar beating Bass Rock (11-2) by 8 1/2l, 2 ran.
