held up in touch, headway on inside approaching 2 out, ridden, every chance last, no extra flat
in rear, lost touch 6th, well behind when pulled up before 2 out
in touch, led approaching 2 out, ridden soon after, one pace when headed approaching last
in touch, ridden and every chance approaching 2 out, narrow lead last, headed soon after
held up rear, headway on bit after approaching 2 out, ridden approaching last, led soon after, readily
mid-division and pulled hard when unseated rider 2nd
held up rear, headway approaching 2 out, ridden and one pace approaching last
in touch, ridden from 5th, lost place and soon beaten
tracked leaders until lost touch from 6th
led, ridden and headed 5th, weakened soon after 3 out
prominent, ridden and weakened approaching 2 out
tracked leader, led 5th, headed soon after 3 out, weakening approaching last
held up rear, ridden for headway after 3 out, every chance 2 out, one paced
A quality field has been assembled for the feature event of the day and the vote goes to Western Ridge while others to consider include Investment Force, The Prince and Little Bud. Brian Llewellyn's gelding has been in good heart during the summer, recording back-to-back wins at Newton Abbot and Stratford and was then far from disgraced when third off today's mark in a similarly valuable contest last time. The son of Darshaan is well suited by fast ground and should give another bold account with Timmy Murphy in the plate. Investment Force showed the benefit of his initial start over timber when landing a novice event at Southwell but faces a much sterner test on his handicap debut and needs to improve further at this level. The Prince has had more than his share of problems but showed he retains plenty of enthusiasm when landing a Hamilton claimer earlier in the month and returns to hurdling on a fair mark. Little Bud ended last season in style but lacks a recent outing so Western Ridge gets the nod in a fascinating encounter.
