led, mistake 3rd, headed 7th, led again 13th, ridden and headed 3 out, switched left approaching 2 out, soon hung right, beaten when eased last
tracked leaders, lost touch from 10th, took poor 3rd 3 out
tracked leaders, mistake 10th, soon lost touch
tracked leader, reminder 2nd, led 7th to 13th, led again 3 out, edged right approaching next, ridden out
Hirvine can turn the tables on Eric's Charm in what looks a two-horse race on paper. With no disrespect to the other three contenders, the first two mentioned have much more to recommend them, with preference given to Hirvine. Although he has been a bit costly to follow since going chasing, Peter Bowen's charge put in a much improved effort when second to his main rival here at Folkestone in December. His jumping improved as the race went on and at the finish he was just three lengths adrift of Eric's Charm who to be fair, dug deep to hold off the challenges in the straight. Hirvine now reopposes on six-pound better terms and with his stamina coming into play, can pick off Oliver Sherwood's charge up the stiff finish. The Folkestone form has already been franked by the third Too Forward and can receive a further boost here. Best of the rest appears to be Gola Supreme but he can only surely play a part in the finish if either of the big two fall, and for the winner we rely on Hirvine with conditions in his favour.
