disputed lead until led 8th, ridden and headed 4 out, plugged on
tracked leaders, chased leader 4 out, led next, ridden out
made most until 8th, reminders soon after, tracked leader, not fluent next, ridden 12th, mistake 4 out, pulled up next
close up, mistake 2nd, ridden and outpaced 4 out, slow next
close up, led 4 out, headed next, ridden and stayed on
None of these inspire confidence with only a speculative vote going the way of TRACTOR FRED. He’s difficult to predict but was only beaten by a nose at Plumpton under Page Fuller on his penultimate start and can race off a similar mark. The latter also partnered Dylanseoghan when he also placed at Plumpton earlier while Virnon found only one too good at Wetherby in January. Uhlan Bute and Eclair De Guye drop down a grade and may post better efforts as a consequence.
Uhlan Bute (FR) 17-2 (11-2) Chased winner, every chance when hit 4 out, blundered badly next, weakened, not recover, 4th of 7, 23 1/2l behind Loose Chips (11-2) at Plumpton 3m 2f hcp (3) sft in Jan.
Eclair De Guye (FR) 6-1 (11-1) In rear, ridden 4 out, some headway after 2 out, no impression on leaders, 5th of 9, 11 3/4l behind Cap Du Nord (11-9) at Fakenham 2m 5f hcp (3) gs in Jan.
Tractor Fred (IRE) 2-1fav (11-11) Held up tracking leaders, closer in dispute of 4th when hit 10th, weakened before 17th,, 4th of 7, 29l behind Hastrubal (11-10) at Sedgefield 3m 2f hcp (4) sft in Jan.
Dylanseoghan (IRE) 17-2 (10-13) Towards rear, ridden 10th, mistake and struggling next, soon well beaten, 5th of 7, dist behind Caltex (11-10) at Leicester 2m 7f hcp (4) hvy in Feb.
Virnon 12-1 (11-11) Chased leaders, slow 12th, weakened after 5 out, 6th of 8, 14 1/2l behind Itsamanslife (11-11) at Wetherby 3m hcp (4) sft in Jan.