tracked leader, lost place and effort after 9th, ridden 4 out, soon weakened
in touch, led after 2nd, headed after 8th, every chance when blundered 2 out, kept on one pace run in
mid-division, close up halfway, weakening when blundered 3 out, soon beaten
towards rear, chased leaders halfway, ridden 3 out, headway to lead approaching last, kept on run in
led until headed after 2nd, stayed prominent, ridden and weakened after 12th
behind, ridden from 3 out, never dangerous
mid-division, tracked leaders halfway, ridden 3 out, challenged winner from last, no extra close home
mid-division, soon prominent, led after 8th, ridden 3 out, headed approaching last, soon weakened
A very tricky contest even though just eight runners take part. Mr Laggan looks to have strong claims and is taken to beat Atticus Finch and Extra Proud. Kate Milligan's gelding landed a similar contest to this at Hexham back in September and wasn't disgraced in a better event at Market Rasen last time out. Extra Proud is a course and distance winner who has been taking on much better opposition recently. He should find today's field less taxing and should go close despite his big weight. However for the main danger to the selection it has to be Atticus Finch who rarely runs a bad race and comes here on the back of a gallant third behind Looking Forward in a better event than this. In a very open affair Pornic and Book's Way can also be given some sort of chance, but Mr Laggan may just prevail.
