in mid-division when mistake and unseated rider 2nd
in touch, pushed along after 3rd, one pace and no chance when slightly hampered 2 out
towards rear, some headway approaching 2 out, no chance
behind, staying on one pace under pressure when hampered 2 out, soon ridden and never dangerous after
tracked leader, led approaching 5th, cleared before 3 out, mistake last, weakening run in, held on all out
in touch, ridden 4th, mistake and fell next
ridden 3rd, well behind from next
led and hit 1st, headed approaching 5th, weakened before 3 out
always behind
never better than mid-division
prominent, chased winner after 5th, hit 3 out, one pace and no impression when lost 2nd run in
behind, steady headway from 3 out, chased leaders after next, stayed on to chase winner run in, finished well, just held
behind, beaten when slightly hampered 4 out
held up in rear, steady headway from 5th, 3rd and staying on one pace when fell 2 out
in touch, behind after 4 out
towards rear, no chance when hampered 4 out
behind, some headway approaching 2 out
behind, hampered 4 out, stayed on under pressure from next but never dangerous
behind, headway approaching 2 out, never able to challenge
The top three in the weights are not there for nothing and they should all be involved in the finish here, with Flying Spirit just getting our vote over Desert Air, with Green Tango and Captain Miller, from lower down, others to consider. The selection has been well placed by trainer Gary Moore and is a very consistent performer. Rated in the 70s on the level, he comes into his own over hurdles and both his easy Stratford win in May and his third in a valuable Market Rasen handicap hurdle a month later are the best pieces of form on offer here. He remains on the same mark as that last hurdles run but is still fit from the flat and can take this. Desert Air will be competitive, but on balance he has a bit to find off level weights. He will handle any rain without a problem, and has all the battling qualities needed if it becomes a slog up the hill, so don't rule him out completely. Green Tango was all out to land a Worcester novices' contest when last seen out in April and has three wins from his last four starts, so is clearly respected, but he also has a bit to find, while of the others Captain Miller would have a chance if he can recapture his old hurdles form after a long absence from the sticks. But Flying Spirit sets the standard and can score.
