mid-division, headway 5th, led 4 out, soon ridden, headed 2 out, kept on, no chance with winner
close up, led 3rd, headed approaching 6th, remained close up, hit 5 out, ridden 4 out, kept on from 3 out, no impression
always behind, driven after 5th, tailed off when pulled up before 4 out
towards rear, reminded after 9th, lost place from next, tailed off and pulled up before 4 out
led to 3rd, chased leaders, quickly lost place and pulled up before 10th, dismounted
tracked leaders, ridden after 5 out, weakened approaching last
reminders after start, soon in touch, pushed along 9th, soon lost place, tailed off when pulled up before 4 out
mid-division, headway 13th, hit 5 out, ridden next, weakened after last
tracked leader, led approaching 6th, headed 4 out, soon ridden, led again 2 out, kept on well flat
always behind, tailed off and pulled up before 3 out
behind, headway approaching 10th, ridden after 5 out, weakened approaching 2 out
The ground could be a crucial factor here but, assuming there is no appreciable deterioration in the ground, Just Strong is just preferred to Guilsbourogh Gorse, Strongtrooper and The Merry Mason. Just Strong has been freshened up by a short break after a below par effort at Carlisle in April, but returns on a fair mark, for what is in truth, a moderate handicap that is unlikely to be the most informative race on the card. He has a gutsy attitude and stays well when conditions are in his favour. A line through Waterberg gives him the beating of Strongtrooper if the form is taken literally. And he could provide a bit of value in a tricky race if the rain stays away. The usually consistent Guilsbourogh Gorse will be sporting cheeckpieces in the hope that it will keep him focused in the closing stages. But he has a tendency to find one too good in a battle and may do so again today. The Merry Mason is a dour stayer and will be hard to keep out of the frame.
