headway 4th, led 2 out, driven out
raced keen tracking leaders, ridden and every chance 3 out, soon weakened
mid-division until ridden and lost place after 4th, rallied 3 out, weakened after next
held up, headway approaching 5th, ridden 2 out, weakened approaching last
in touch until hampered 5th, pulled up before next
led to 5th, ridden 3 out, soon weakened
held up, headway 4th, led next, ridden and headed 2 out, weakened flat
took keen hold, always behind, tailed off when pulled up before 5th
behind, ridden and headway 3 out, stayed on approaching last, not reach winner
always behind
prominent, reminders 3rd, ridden and every chance 3 out, one pace from next
in touch, ridden 5th, soon weakened, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
towards rear, ridden and headway 3 out, went 2nd last, no extra towards finish
Though not the most reliable Ballykissann has the necessary experience and form in the book to be given the TEAMtalk nod for his in-form trainer as long as the ground does not ride too soft. His recent effort at Taunton was a solid effort and looks the best form in the race. In the event of plenty of overnight rain Carole's Dove can be given a chance to break her maiden tag on her seasonal reappearance. Her best effort came at Taunton on her penultimate start last season where she was stayed on well to take sixth place behind three subsequent winners. Stonehenge had some useful hurdle form a couple of years ago before failing to take to the larger obstacles. He may have needed his recent run where he pulled up tamely but should be better today. Any market moves will speak strongly in his favour. Smart Lord has shown progression in his races and his effort on rain-softened ground three weeks ago looks good and he could be the main danger to the rival if the expected rain changes the going.
