held up in rear, headway after 2 out, ridden approaching last, stayed on well run in to lead near finish
mid-division, mistake 3 out, headway next, soon ridden and effort, no extra run in
held up in mid-division, headway 3 out, ridden to lead approaching last, headed towards finish no extra
held up in rear, headway approaching 2 out, weakened approaching last
towards rear, pushed along 3 out, headway under pressure between last 2, stayed on same pace
led, headed approaching 2 out, soon weakened
tracked leader, led approaching 2 out, soon headed, weakened quickly
in touch, pushed along and headway 2 out, ridden and effort approaching last, one pace run in
in touch, out paced after 3 out
Tender Touch can beat Black Bullet, with The Names Bond and Time Marches On others worth a mention. Tender Touch catches the eye here due to his light weight and the fact that he has already been successful over the course and distance in the past. Kate Milligan's nine-year-old is only plating class but seems better suited to the smaller obstacles and is much better handicapped than in his younger days. A fair second to Wally Wonder at Sedgefield last time, he should go well. Black Bullet is interesting on his return to action after falling at Punchestown in 2003. He is obviously going to need the run but should be kept in mind when put back over fences. The Names Bond should come on for his third at Haydock but Time Marches On made too many mistakes on his last start at Carlisle. Tender Touch is no world-beater but should have the measure of this lot in a weak contest.
