tracked leader until leading 4 out, clear 3 out, not fluent 2 out, challenged flat, held on
held up in touch, ridden approaching 4 out, kept on, not reach leaders
behind until moderate headway 4 out
in touch until ridden after 4 out
3rd until weakened approaching 4 out
led, slow first, pushed along to go clear 2nd, ridden 7th, headed 4 out, rallied 2 out, challenged flat
Quite an interesting contest with several in-form animals. Lightning Strikes, who will be well handled by Christian Williams, Golfagent, likewise by Andrew Tinkler, Picture Palace, who was withdrawn at Huntingdon on Monday on account of the fast ground, and Julie's Leader, who comes here at the top of his form. Preference is for the lightly raced Lightning Strikes, who despite his age has only had four races over hurdles, winning twice. He has clearly been difficult to train, but does have plenty of ability and although he does have to prove he stays this far, he is worth taking a chance with. Julie's Leader has gone well for an amateur in the past and will have no problem with this trip. However, this is more competitive than the claimer and seller he has won on his last two outings, and he is passed over. Golfagent is 8lbs higher than when winning what looked a moderate contest at Uttoxeter and it is possible the Handicapper has over-reacted, but Picture Palace does look to have been given a chance to add to his victory in a conditional jockeys event as he has only gone up 5lbs. He will be a threat to all, while others to consider include Derrintogher Yank, who is effective under these conditions and has gone well fresh in the past and former useful hurdler/chaser Good Lord Murphy, who is weighted to finish close to Julie's Leader on their running at Newton Abbot.
