tracked leaders for 6f, ridden 4f out, weakened 3f out
soon struggling in rear, tailed off
held up in mid-division, gradually headway from 5f out, waited behind leaders until leading readily over 1f out, comfortably
ridden to lead, led going clear 6f out, soon headed, ridden and weakened quickly 4f out
mid-division, ridden along after 1 mile, headway to track leaders 5f out, led briefly 4f out, weakened 3f out
mid-division until some moderate late headway
in touch tracking leaders, every chance 3f out, not quicken final 2f
in touch until weakened over 6f out
mid-division, headway 6f out, ridden to lead over 3f out, headed and weakened inside final furlong
behind and ridden along after 1 mile, never dangerous
tracked leader until weakened 6f out
in rear, headway approaching 4f out, went 3rd 2 out, ridden to go 2nd inside final furlong
mid-division, good headway approaching 6f out, soon ridden and weakened final 2f
It is hard to get away from Trained Bythe Best, Martin Pipe's entry, the Amanda Perrett-trained Bucks, and Jonjo O'Neill's Leopard Spot in this marathon event. Diamond Joshua won a Wetherby hurdle in October but is one of four racing from out of the handicap. Ambry has won three times over hurdles this year. Stickwithsterling, from Paul Cole's yard, is lightly raced and is fully entitled to run well at this level.