held up towards rear, hit 3rd, pushed along approaching 5th, lost place from 9th, soon reminders, pulled up before next
held up, pushed along after 8th, headway approaching 10th, ridden after 4 out, went 2nd 2 out, kept on approaching last, no chance with winner
chased leaders, blundered 10th, blundered 12th, ridden and weakened from 4 out
chased leaders, ridden after 4 out, weakened from 3 out
held up in rear, hit 5th, headway next, led after 4 out, clear 2 out, easily
held up, ridden after 9th, weakened next, pulled up when tailed off before 3 out
led until approaching 7th, reminders after 9th, weakened 11th
with leader, led approaching 7th, hit 13th, headed after 4 out, ridden and hit 3 out, weakened next
in touch, hit 5th and lost place, tailed off
held up towards rear, stayed on approaching 3 out, never dangerous
In Contrast, Personal Assurance and Poitiers are the three for the shortlist in this beginners' chase and the narrow vote is given to In Contrast. The selection has come a long way from his Minehead base for this and he was travelling nicely enough when he unseated his rider in a race won by Sento at Exeter earlier this month. He has not been the most reliable performer in recent times but he does have the services of Richard Johnson and providing he can get round he looks the one to beat. Personal Assurance is dropped in grade and he must be respected as he has form on this track and he hails from a yard in form. Poitiers was a fair second behind Marked Man at Ludlow last time but that form has since been let down and he continues to run well without getting his head in front. Of the remainder, Homes James ran well last time after a long absence and as he is sure to come on for the run he is worth noting in the market, but we will stick with In Contrast who looks the one they all have to beat if his jumping holds up.
