tracked leaders, tracked winner from 4 out, ridden approaching 2 out, challenging and every chance when hit last, no extra run in
held up, weakened from 5th, soon beaten
tracked leaders, ridden 3 out, soon one pace
mid-division, weakened from 4th and soon tailed off
mid-division, ridden 3 out, soon beaten
tracked leaders, chased winner from halfway, ridden and weakened after 4 out
mid-division, ridden 3 out, kept on from last, no chance with 1st
Contraband should have the class to defy a penalty and is a confident choice over newcomer Factor Fifteen and Impinda in the opening event at the Scottish track. The form of Contraband's third to Self Defense at Cheltenham looked rock-solid and so it was no surprise when Martin Pipe's five-year-old hacked up by a distance at Taunton next time. Obviously the opposition was not as strong but he could do no more than win as he did, and despite the penalty, only has a bit more to do here. The interesting runner is Factor Fifteen, given owner Graham Wylie's successful foray's into the transfer market this term. Like his other purchases, Factor Fifteen finds himself housed at Howard Johnson's County Durham yard and on the evidence of his Flat performances for Ed Dunlop, should pay his way over hurdles. A winner at Sandown in May, his resolution has been questioned in the past, but the change of code and scenery may sweeten him up. Impinda has shaped fairly well on her two visits to Kelso but may need further than the minimum trip to make an impression, and so we return to Contraband to make the long journey up from Nicolashayne a successful one.
