held up, ridden approaching 3rd, soon no impression
in touch, went closer approaching 6th, ridden and weakened after 8th
led, headed 4 out, weakened next
held up, headway 5th, soon ridden, kept on one pace from 2 out
behind, headway after 5th, led 3 out, headed after 2 out, hit last no extra
pulled up, behind, reminded after 3rd, tailed off 5th, pulled up before 8th
tracked leader, led 4 out, headed next, led again after 2 out, mistake last, all out
A dreadful contest to start the day's proceedings with, what can only be a tentative vote, going to San Marco, who gets the verdict over Richie's Delight and Fare Dealing. The selection, who ran with credit here last time, has form in better company than this and is less exposed than most of his rivals over hurdles. Of the dangers, Richie's Delight is inconsistent but has to be respected off just a 1lb higher mark than when scoring at Stratford in September, while Fare Dealing should strip fitter for a couple of runs this term after a lengthy lay off. Canny Chiftane needs rain and a bigger threat is probably Rayware Boy, who has shown up well over two miles in his last two starts but is not certain to stay today's trip, even on this sharp track. Fifth Generation is on a long losing sequence so, in a poor contest, San Marco gets the nod.
