tracked leaders, ridden 3 out, soon weakened
led to 1st, tracked leaders, hit 3rd, lost place approaching 5th, weakened from 3 out
held up, headway approaching 5th, ridden to lead approaching last, ridden out
towards rear, reminders after 4th, ridden after 4 out, stayed on from next, no impression
held up in rear, headway approaching 4 out, ridden approaching next, hung left and went 2nd flat, stayed on
led after 1st, ridden approaching 2 out, headed approaching last, no extra last
tracked leaders, mistake 2nd, went 2nd after 4th, ridden 4 out, weakened next
held up, in 6th and ridden when fell 3 out
There is some very good prize money on offer for this contest and it has produced a very good line-up, with those shortlisted being Lough Derg, Paperprophet, Very Optimistic, Lord Olympia and Blue Americo, with the vote going to Lough Derg. It came as now surprise to his trainer that Lough Derg improved for a step up in trip at Cheltenham last time and this four-year-old rates a very interesting prospect. He is also highly regarded by his astute handler. As lightly-raced course and distance winners, Paperprophet and Very Optimistic should go well, although the latter has been a little disappointing since beating Accipiter here last season. Lord Olympia is also progressive and hails from a stable in form, while Blue Americo represents the stable of Paul Nicholls and he has to be considered under his light weight. Turtle Soup and Petrula are closely weighted based on their course and distance runs last time and can go well again, but the talented Freetown looks up against on his seasonal return. However, they might all have to give best to the junior of the party, which is Lough Derg.
