reminders start, held up towards rear, ridden 4th, weakened 6th, soon tailed off
chased leader, ridden and weakened 6th, soon behind
led, hit 4th, jumped left 5th and 6th, ridden and headed 8th, stayed on same pace
held up mid-division, ridden 4th, weakened 8th
mid-division, ridden after 8th, headway 3 out, stayed on same pace from 2 out
held up last, ridden and headway after 3 out, weakened quickly and pulled up before 2 out
prominent, headway 6th, led approaching 8th, ridden 3 out, headed 2 out, soon weakened
held up mid-division, ridden 5th, weakened 8th, pulled up before 2 out
prominent, mistake 3rd, ridden and weakened 8th
held up mid-division, headway after 7th, challenged 3 out, led on bit approaching 2 out, pushed clear from last, easily
A strong Pipe entry and an obvious opportunity for Vodka Bleu to shine among his contemporaries. He has been undoubtedly disappointing this year for what he has achieved but by the same token, he is unexposed and if he stays the trip - he looks to have been let in lightly. The Biker is likely to set the pace up for both himself and old-stager Carlovent. Twenty two furlongs is probably on the sharp side these days and he can be expected to run his race. Homeleigh Mooncoin has always been held in high regard by the trainer but his reappearance bow was little to write home about. Derivative ran well behind Mughas on his latest start in a hot Ascot handicap. The blinkers have been taken off today. Dubai Seven Stars trounced a poor field last time out and faces a much tougher assignment. All of these are qualified for the final at Cheltenham and if he handles the trip - expect Vodka Bleu to be there come March.
