close-up, went 2nd 13th, mistake next, ridden approaching 4 out, weakened 2 out
held up, reminder 2nd, slightly hampered and outpaced 15th, ridden and headway 3 out, chased winner next, one pace flat
chased winner to 13th, 3rd when fell 15th
made all, blundered 10th, mistake 2 out, driven out
in touch, ridden 15th, weakened approaching 4 out
held up, headway 13th, ridden approaching 4 out, weakened approaching 2 out
always towards rear, lost touch 13th, tailed off when pulled up before 4 out.
Winning pointer Fashion House has looked nothing special in a couple of outings over regulation fences, while Return Un Paid won a dire contest at Southwell and has much more on here, so the one's to concentrate on are Pharpost, Proper Squire and Uncle Mick, with the latter getting the verdict. He has plenty of experience over the larger obstacles and probably turned in his best effort to date when chasing home Wagner, over course and distance last month. The winner, who is unbeaten over fences, is highly regarded, so there was no disgrace in finishing second and this looks an easier contest. After a promising start to his chasing career when winning at Fakenham, Proper Squire ruined his chance at Kelso by some sloppy fencing. He was a fair hurdler and is capable of better. Pharpost took a while to get off the mark over fences and probably achieved little when beating Pietro Bembo here over two-and-a-half-miles. He does stay this trip, but he will need to find improvement if he is to add to that. So, Uncle Mick is the choice to gain compensation for his narrow defeat by Wagner.
