tracked leaders, ridden approaching 3 out, stayed on from last
led, headed 4th, ridden and rallied approaching 2 out, every chance last, not quicken flat
with leader, led 4th, ridden 2 out, stayed on well from last
always behind
in touch and took keen hold, ridden approaching 3 out, stayed on same pace from last
held up towards rear, ridden after 4 out, stayed on from last
tracked leaders and keen, mistake 4th, ridden and weakened 3 out
tracked leaders, ridden after 4 out, no impression from last
always behind, blundered 2nd, behind when pulled up before 7th
Nine runners and not many who can be discounted from this tricky opener. Tacolino couldn't have been more impressive in his demolition of the well-regarded Fiori and we will side with him around here. Owen Brennan's charge has had a nice rest over the summer but he does know every yard of the track and he looks to be just about the percentage shout. Duke of Buckingham won a facile Novice event at Perth over two miles. He has slight question marks about the trip and is one to treat with caution. Minster York will love to hear his hooves rattle on this surface and his followers can at least be comfortable in the knowledge that Micky Hammond has sent a couple of winners out in recent weeks. Minster Glory seems in the grip of the handicapper at present and the old sparkle has not been there on his last few visits. Billie John has each-way possibilities. Ordinarily, he jumps well and the fact that he hails from an unfashionable yard makes him a couple of points bigger than he perhaps ought to be. Log On Intersky is dropped in class but may just need this reappearance effort. We plump for Tacolino in the opener although Billie John can go well at more attractive odds.
