mistake 1st, in touch, blundered 8th (water) and pulled up
in touch, mistake 5th, weakened 12th, well behind next, tailed off
in touch, headway to track leading pair at 11th, led 2 out, driven out
led 7th, tracked leader, led 10th, mistake and headed 3 out, weakened before next
held up in rear, headway under pressure 11th, no impression and beaten 4 out
never going well in rear, tailed off and pulled up after 7th
tracked leader, led 7th to 10th, lost 2nd at 11th, blundered next, weakened 4 out
tracked leaders, went 2nd at 11th, led 3 out, mistake and headed next, chased winner but looked held when blundered last, lost 2nd flat
close up, mistake 6th and 12th, driven long and weakened 4 out
lost position and dropped rear 4th, ridden along from 9th, stayed on under pressure before 3 out, took 2nd flat, finished well
Not too many of these can confidently be ruled out but Avalanche is fancied to reverse recent course and distance form with Zaffamore and is taken to make the most of a good opportunity at the weights. Of the rest: Tom Costalot and Cornish Gale are others who have to be considered as shortlist material and will be interesting if supported. As will the in-form Monte Cristo, who comes into the race seeking a hat-trick after finding a new lease of life after being dropped back in trip. However, this distance appears to be the limit of his stamina and he is probably best left alone today. Therefore, with no doubts about his staying power, Avalanche looks a far safer option today. The selection meets Zaffamore on 7lb better terms that he did last time they met and, as he has the more reliable course record of the two, Avalanche is taken to come out on top this time around.
