held up in touch, headway approaching 3 out, ridden to challenge 2 out, every chance until held close home
mid-division, struggling halfway, weakened 9th, tailed off and pulled up before 2 out
chased leaders, ridden and weakened after 9th, soon lost touch
soon tracking leader, led approaching 9th, headed after 3 out, soon weakened
towards rear, broke leg and pulled up quickly before 8th
towards rear, pushed along 10th, no impression
led, headed approaching 9th, weakened quickly next, tailed off and pulled up before 3 out
mid-division, pushed along 9th, headway under pressure 3 out, kept on one pace from next
held up in mid-division, headway 10th, ridden to lead 2 out, all out
held up in touch, headway 10th, led after 3 out, ridden and headed 2 out, no extra approaching last
There was lots to like about the performance of Sparkling Spring last time and the veteran can follow up here, with Political Sox and Dark Slaney others to note. Sparkling Spring comes from the Evan Williams yard that is going so well at present, and the 13-year-old is a thorough stayer, who seems to relish these extreme hurdling distances. Being by Strong Gale he appreciates a sound surface, and the manner of his victory, eased down to win by eight lengths at Uttoxeter last time out gives him every chance of adding another notch on his tally in this contest. Political Sox has to give the selection 2lb but should be bang there judged on his defeat of Batoutoftheblue at Perth last time. He stayed on strongly that day on similar going to this, and this extra quarter-of-a-mile would appear to be ideal, so he is not overlooked lightly. Dark Slaney put some very poor form behind him with an impressive eased down win in a Cartmel seller last time and we should watch the market for a guide to both his chance and that of Irish raider Super Lucky, who has the benefit of Tony Dobbin in the saddle. Both can go very well here, but Sparkling Spring is in such good form in this company that he is the one for us.
