held up, headway 6th, ridden 3 out, led approaching last, ridden out
tracked leaders, led approaching 4th, ridden and headed approaching last, soon weakened
held up, blundered 8th, ran on well flat, not reach leaders
held up, ridden 4 out, stayed on flat, no impression
tracked leaders, driven to challenge after 3 out, soon every chance, one pace approaching last
led, ridden and headed approaching 4th, soon behind
mistakes, held up, never dangerous
chased leaders, mistake 4th, ridden 3 out, every chance approaching last, kept on same pace flat
The giant mare Soeur Fontenail has been well placed by her connections to pick up a couple of minor events, but it will be something of a surprise if she can defy this mark. Black Bullet may find the drying ground against him, while Nick The Jewel looks to have something to prove now after failing to complete on his last two efforts, but on the plus side, he is a winner here. Xaipete has become well treated nowadays, but he isn't one to rely on, neither is Joey Tribbiani, who finally got off the mark in a moderate contest at Hereford. He will find this much tougher. Executive Decision is difficult to weigh up and is certainly not out of this despite having to give weight away all round. Guignol Du Cochet has been partnered to two of his three victories by Mark Bradburne, who again takes the reins. While he is respected, a tentative vote goes to Indian Gunner, who is much better going this way round. He has the beating of Guignol Du Cochet on their running at Wincanton on Boxing Day and he won't mind the faster conditions he faces here.
