led, headed after 3rd, remained close up, weakened from 3 out
in rear, pushed along after 3rd, reminders after 7, soon weakened, tailed off and pulled up before 2 out
with leader, led after 3rd, ridden approaching last, soon clear
chased leaders, ridden approaching 3 out, chased winner approaching last, kept on no impression
Another modest contest that is unlikely to fill the satchels of the on-course bookmakers with floods of support - even though Sedgefield usually provides a strong betting market. And Vulcan Lane, a lightly raced six-year-old from the Richard Guest camp, is fancied to get the better of Gandon, Western Bluebird and Raise Your Glass. The selection is learning his trade well and put in an accomplished if not impressive round of hurdling at Towcester last week - where his stamina for a battle was put to a good test by Summer Bounty. that outing will have done him plenty of good and he comes here as one of the least exposed runners in the field. Richard Spate plays his part with his 8lb allowance as an up and coming rider to note and the partnership should make a bold bid on ground that will suit. Gandon is the obvious danger and will be a tough customer to deal with, but his overall profile is not that convincing and he has never been one to rely upon too heavily. Raise Your Glass would not have to find too much to figure at the finish here but lacks the scope of Vulcan Lane, who is taken to rid himself of his maiden tag today.
