chased winner until weakened 8th, pulled up before 2 out
held up in touch, pushed along 7th, ridden and outpaced from 3 out
held up in rear, headway 8th, chased winner approaching last, not quicken flat
held up in touch, ridden after 3 out, weakened approaching last
made all, stayed on well from last hung right
tracked leaders, ridden 8th, soon weakened
chased leaders, not fluent 8th, chased winner approaching 2 out, one pace approaching last
Highland Games should be able to take advantage of a lightweight to land this event at the main expense of Opera de Coeur and Itsmyboy. The selection gave the impression there was more in the tank when scoring impressively at Sedgefield last time beating Lago. That win came on heavy ground so we know that will not be a problems today and he should take plenty of stopping. Opera de Coeur is the obvious danger as he has plenty of ability but he often flatters to deceive and he again failed to get his head in front last time when chasing home Aztec Warrior. Itsmyboy caught the eye on his return from a break at Wincanton last time and as he should strip fitter today he is definite shortlist material. Tomenoso and Billy Bush are others that could go well at a price but Highland Games looks progressive and gets the vote.
Opera de Coeur (FR) 6-4fav (10-7) Tracked leaders, mistake 13th, effort after 4 out, held when left 2nd 3 out, 2nd of 5, 5l behind Aztec Warrior (11-9) at Wincanton 2m 5f nov chs (3) sft.
Itsmyboy (IRE) 10-1 (10-8) Held up last, headway 3 out, switched left and shaken up approaching 2 out, no impression after, 4th of 9, 11l behind Lord Sam (11-7) at Wincanton 2m 6f hcp hdl (2) gs in Dec.
Burntoakboy 9-1 (10-13) Led, mistake 4th, ridden and headed 2 out, soon no chance, 5th of 9, 14l behind Amour Multiple (11-12) at Wincanton 2m hcp hdl 0-130 (3) sft.
Billy Bush (IRE) 9-2 (11-4) Held up, headway after 9th, ridden 3 out, weakened last, 5th of 11, 19l behind Allistathebarrista (10-7) at Wetherby 2m 7f hcp hdl 0-130 (3) sft in Dec.
Haggle Twins (IRE) 9-2 (11-2) Disputed lead, led 5th to next, regained lead 8th, headed last, switched and rallied flat, just held, 2nd of 7, hd behind Brendar (10-11) at Plumpton 2m 5f hcp hdl 0-115 (4) sft.
Tomenoso 6-1 (10-1) In touch until lost place approaching 7th, 8th of 9, well behind Huka Lodge (10-9) at Haydock 2m 7f hcp hdl 0-135 (3) hvy.
Highland Games (IRE) 5-2fav (11-5) Mid-division, headway 5th, led after 3 out, ridden and stayed on well from next, won at Sedgefield 2m 5f hcp hdl 0-105 (4) hvy beating Lago (10-7) by 8l, 10 ran.
