tracked leaders, weakened 9th, pulled up 10th
led, headed 3rd, tracked leader until closer order 4 out and hit, ridden 3 out, beaten when hung right under pressure after last
led 3rd, joined and blundered badly 4 out, ridden approaching 2 out, kept on well
held up behind, went poor 3rd 9th, ridden and no impression
in touch until lost touch 8th, ridden 10th, well behind when mistake 4 out
Not the strongest of contests and this appears a good opportunity for Niagara to make a winning debut over fences at the main expense of Son Of A Gun and Periwinkle Lad. The Mark Tompkins-trained gelding has proved a most versatile performer having won on the Flat and also shown useful form over timber. The six-year-old will prove well suited by the fast ground conditions and should prove too strong for his rivals on these terms. Periwinkle Lad was most disappointing on his seasonal comeback in May and hasn't been seen since so is probably best watched on this occasion but Son Of A Gun, who ran a fair race in defeat in a Worcester handicap last time, may offer more resistance to the selection.
