chased leaders, ridden and every chance 2 out, chased winner soon after, no impression before last
led, hit 4 out, hit 3 out and headed soon after, weakened before last
chased leader until pecked badly 1st and dropped to mid-division, ridden and hit 3rd, weakened after 4 out, tailed off
took keen hold, chased leaders, ridden and weakened soon after 3 out, tailed off
always in rear, lost touch after 4 out and soon tailed off
mistakes in rear, driven along after 4th, soon struggling, tailed off when pulled up approaching 2 out
in touch, headway to challenge 3 out, ridden and every chance when pecked badly 2 out, not recover and weakened before last
soon chased leader, led soon after 3 out, ridden clear before last, easily
always behind, weakened before 3 out, tailed off
held up in rear, ridden and struggling 4 out, tailed off
Many will be looking to take MOUNT HELICON on with the likes of Optimus Maximus and Art Exhibition in opposition but we're going to give him another chance. He was a mover for the Triumph Hurdle ahead of his debut over this course and distance but got worried out of it by Nino Cochise. The winning trainer believed that the colt's attitude could be called into question on the level in France and that belief looks justified on the evidence of his debut run. However, the experience will have done him good, he has an engine and he may be able to pull clear of the opposition before his resolve is tested. Optimus Maximus represents a yard that is chock full of talent so any support for this son of Galileo should be taken seriously although his three runs on the Flat weren't convincing and he was tried in a tongue strap which is absent today. Art Exhibition was impressive at Fontwell but came up short under a penalty at Wetherby and looks vulnerable again on that evidence whilst Cesium, a half-brother to Cerium, didn't shine on his two runs in bumpers. E Major is worth keeping an eye on with regard to the future but Bruslini won three times for the Aga Khan in France and has joined top connections and he could emerge as a leading player. The market may provide us with some indication but we'll give Mount Helicon the benefit of the doubt.
Art Exhibition (IRE) 2-1 (11-5) Led, headed 2 out, kept on same pace, 3rd of 10, 7l behind Pemberton (11-2) at Wetherby 2m 3yo nov hdl (3) sft in Dec.
Bruslini (FR) (8-11) 2nd of 6, nk behind Polan (8-11) at Dax 1m 3f stk in Aug (Flat).
Cesium (FR) 33-1 (10-12) Chased leaders over 9f, 13th of 15, 23l behind Cill Rialaig (10-9) at Cheltenham 1m 4f 4yo nhf (1) gs.
E Major 9-1 (8-11) Led to 2f, tracked leader, ridden to lead over 2f out, stayed on well, driven out, won at Lingfield 1m 4f hcp 0-80 (4) pol in Oct beating War of The Roses (9-11) by 1/2l, 12 ran (Flat).
Falsino (GER) 25-1 (10-12) Mistake 1st, soon towards rear, not fluent 2nd, no chance from 5th, tailed off, 11th of 14, well behind Stow (10-9) at Hereford 2m 1f 3yo nov hdl (4) sft in Dec.
Flash of Fire (USA) 4-1jt-fav (8-11) Chased clear lead, ridden to lead over 2f out, headed 1f out, soon weakened, 7th of 13, 6l behind Play Up Pompey (8-12) at Lingfield 1m 2f hcp 0-50 (6) pol in Dec (Flat).
Mount Helicon Evensfav (10-12) Chased leaders, reminders 4th, chased winner before 3 out, soon upsides and going best from 3 out, narrow lead 2 out, nailed on line, 2nd of 9, shd behind Nino Cochise (10-12) at Newbury 2m 3yo nov hdl (3) gs in Nov.
Optimus Maximus (IRE) 9-1 (9-3) With leader, ridden over 3f out, slightly hampered over 2f out, soon weakened, 5th of 7, 17l behind Woodcutter (9-3) at Newmarket 1m 4f 3yo mdn (4) gf in Jul (Flat).
Rio Laine 8-1 (10-12) In touch, weakened 2f out, 15th of 18, 33l behind Suburban Bay (10-9) at Warwick 1m 6f jnr opn nhf (5) sft in Nov.
Sleeping 66-1 (8-1) Awkward start, held up, headway and carried left over 1f out, never able to challenge, 12th of 13, 24l behind Desiderio (9-3) at Yarmouth 1m clm (6) gs in Oct (Flat).
