held up in touch, headway 8th, weakened 2 out
held up in touch, ridden and mistake 8th, soon struggling, tailed off
held up, headway approaching 7th, weakened approaching 2 out
chased leaders, led 3 out, ridden approaching 2 out, headed approaching last, no chance with winner
always behind, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
chased leader, led after 7th, headed 3 out, soon weakened
led, clear 5th, jumped slowly 7th, soon headed and weakened, behind when hit 3 out, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
held up, headway approaching 3 out, every chance 2 out, weakened last
held up and behind, smooth headway approaching 3 out, led on bit approaching last, hard held
An obvious choice, but Port Moreno does look the one to be on here despite topweight, with Medelai and Sardagna others to consider. The selection has earned topweight with some decent form in similar contests of late and a 2lb drop since his second to Miss Skippy at Worcester last month will be of assistance here. Staying is not a problem judged on his Towcester second in May and with conditions to suit and McCoy up he is the one for us. Conditions will suit Medelai if the rains stay away. The mare won on firm ground over a similar trip at Ludlow in November but has not been seen out since. That was a marked improvement for the step up in trip and she should again go well. However, the lack of a recent run might just count against her this time. Of the others Sardagna is an eyecatching debutante. Claimed in France last month by David Johnson, we expect the filly to be well schooled and although we have no idea how she will take to the British racecourse, coming from these connections it is highly likely that she will be up to producing a good run first time. Even so, Port Moreno has the experience and can take the prize.
