held up and keen, went 3rd after 7th (water), led 4 out, ridden clear flat, eased close home
with leader, behind from 7th, went poor 3rd 2 out
tracked leaders, went 2nd 7th (water), chased winner 3 out, chance when hit next, soon ridden, kept on, no chance with winner
led, hit 8th, headed 4 out, soon ridden, weakened approaching next
A race of quality rather than quality with a number of decent chasers turning up. Hunters Tweed is sure to be a popular order. Peter Beaumont sent out a winner at the last meeting and with the horse now returning to what is arguably his best trip, he cannot be discounted easily. Jardin De Beaulieu almost caught Skippers Cleuch with his pants down at Wetherby and should go well in receipt of an allowance. Ibal is unlikely to run as he won at Kempton yesterday, while The Villager, who has already won around here, steps down in trip. Richard Johnson looks to have come up to Haydock to ride Hand Inn Hand and we will stick with his judgement. He certainly didn't shirk the issue when under pressure at Chepstow last time out and shouldn't have any problems with conditions underfoot.
