prominent, headway on bit after 3 out, lead before 2 out, pushed clear from last
pulled hard, prominent, ridden before 3 out, soon weakened
held up last, ridden 3 out, soon weakened
mid-division, hampered, ridden behind leaders 3 out, weakened 2 out
held up in mid-division, headway after 3 out, ridden before 2 out, not quickened
always towards rear, ridden 3 out, no impression
in touch, good headway approaching 2 out and chased leaders, soon ridden, stayed on well but not pace of winner
lead after 1st, chased clear leader, ridden and lead after 3 out, headed before 2 out, weakening when hit last
swerved right start and very slowly away, pulled hard and lead after 1st, soon clear, headed after 3 out, ridden and weakened 2 out
Stance has a great chance to add to his tally here, with Kimono Royal and newcomer Sir Laughalot the only foreseeable dangers. A middle-distance winner at Newbury in the past for Henry Cecil, Stance had been campaigned abroad but has not taken long to make his mark since being switched to hurdles by Peter Hedger. A gutsy scorer at Fontwell a month ago, he has now joined Gary Moore, and has the aid of Tony McCoy for the return to novice company. He looks well up to defying a penalty, with Kimono Royal the one to give him most to do. Alan King's gelding is highly rated and is sure to have been well schooled for his hurdles debut. Connections decided to give Cheltenham a miss as he was a bit highly strung, but he is sure to pick up a decent prize in time. Sir Laughalot was a maiden on the all-weather and it remains to be seen whether he will stay this trip. However, Emma Lavelle knows what she is doing and it would be no surprise if he were to be in the shake-up. For the winner though, it just as to Stance.
