led and not fluent 1st, blundered and headed next, led again 4th, headed approaching 4 out, weakened next
not jump well at times, held up, blundered badly 7th, soon lost touch, pulled up before 11th
held up, headway 11th, weakened 3 out
in touch, mistake 1st, headway 9th, hit next, jumped right 11th, 3rd when blundered badly 3 out, weakened after next
led 2nd to 4th, remained prominent, led again and mistake 4 out, headed next, every chance last, no extra close home
held up, mistake 6th, outpaced from 10th
prominent, chased leader approaching 6th until after 11th, weakened approaching 3 out
always prominent, mistake 10th,challenged 4 out, pushed along and led next, ridden after 2 out, stayed on well
A very interesting opener and one in which we like the look of Ballyrobert ahead of Korelo, Translucid, Multeen River and Talbot Lad. The selection's winning sequence came to an end at Cheltenham last time, but he was still in contention there despite a number of mistakes when falling. He is a course and distance winner and will be more at home on this track and can make amends for that defeat. Translucid has been raised eight pounds for finishing second in a valuable event at Kempton, which seems a little harsh but he can still be competitive off his current rating. Motcomb Jam came good in a soft race at Fakenham last time but will have to improve again to land this. Unsurprisingly, Talbot Lad found the concession of weight to Venn Ottery too much last time but, overall, probably has to improve again to land this. Multeen River was given a confidence booster last time at Doncaster following a fall but at least the handicapper is dropping him a few pounds now after taking no chances with his novice form. He finished only just behind Korelo at Doncaster and the Tony McCoy-ridden gelding is now visored for the first time. He too is edging towards a more-realistic chasing mark but, on this occasion, Ballyrobert looks better handicapped and he can get back to winning ways.
