held up in rear, pushed along 6th, outpaced 3 out, headway under pressure next, kept on one pace
led, soon clear, headed approaching 4 out, weakened before next
held up in mid-division, pushed along 6th, soon weakened, tailed off when pulled up after 3 out
tracked leader, every chance 3 out, ridden and weakened before next
held up in touch, mistake 4 out, every chance 3 out, ridden and one pace next
mid-division, pushed along 4 out, ridden and weakened next
towards rear, never dangerous
tracked leader, led approaching 4 out, ridden 2 out, stayed on well
towards rear, pushed along a headway 4 out, ridden and effort 2 out, stayed on to chase winner approaching last, no impression run-in
Sue Bradburne's Kharak has had a consistent season but has paid for it at the hands of the handicapper and preference is for Joes Edge, who gets the verdict over Touch Closer. The last mentioned bounced back to form at Kelso last time but has it to do off a 17lb higher mark today. Top weight Vandas Choice has struggled since returning from Down Royal, where he won a handicap in November, and is difficult to recommend. Of more interest may be Jonjo O'Neill's Ballykettrail, who is fresher than most and capable of better than he has shown so far this term. The vote though goes to Joes Edge. Ferdy Murphy's gelding has won novice contests at Ascot and Carlisle this season and, while he has disappointed in handicaps, may be worth another chance in this grade today.
