in touch, headway to track leader 5th, with leader 3 out, led 2 out, eased flat
keen and behind, tailed off from 4th, pulled up before next
mid-division, ridden 3 out, soon weakened
in touch, ridden and weakened quickly after 5th, pulled up before 3 out
held up, headway 3rd, ridden 5th soon behind
in rear when pecked first, ridden 5th, weakened next
always towards rear, tailed off from 2 out
behind, ridden halfway, ran on onepaced
keen, led, soon clear, not fluent 2nd, headed after 5th, weakened 3 out, onepaced next
tracked leaders until weakened after 5th, pulled up before next
mid-division, pecked 2nd, ridden and weakened 4th, pulled up before 5th
mid-division, ridden 4th, behind when slipped up after 5th
held up in touch, kept on when ridden from 3 out, never dangerous
always towards rear
keen, held up towards rear, headway 4th, ridden and weakened 3 out
tracked leaders, led after 5th, headed after 3 out, onepaced next
A large turnout would suggest a competitive affair, but that is not the case here as Thesis looks head and shoulders above the rest with only Montoya and the newcomer Istanbul expected to provide any opposition. It was no surprise that Thesis came good over hurdles at Worcester, having previously been thought good enough to contest a Grade 2 affair at Aintree. Twice a winner on the Flat, he should have more than enough speed to see off these rivals despite having to shoulder a penalty. Montoya is gradually getting the hang of things and looks a banker for the frame, while Charlie Mann can get them ready to run well first time so Istanbul, sold out of Brian Meehan's yard, should be noted.
