towards rear, smooth headway to track leaders 3f out, ridden and soon onepaced
in touch, ridden over 3f out, disputed lead final furlongs, led close home
tracked leader, weakened 6f out, behind and beaten 4f out
towards rear, mid-division after 4f, prominent 6f out, led over 2f out, ridden final furlong, found nil, headed close home
mid-division, ridden and behind from 6f out
tracked leaders, ridden over 3f out, weakened over 2f out
held up towards rear, ridden 3f out, never dangerous
led, ridden and headed over 2f out, hung right over 1f out, soon weakened
mid-division, ridden 6f out, behind from 3f out
held up and keen early, headway to have every chance 3f out, soon ridden and weakened over 1f out
Not much form to go on and, as ever in this type of contest, the market will provide further clues but Baron Monty sets a fair standard and gets the vote. Chris Grant's gelding confirmed the promise of his debut effort when a decisive winner over course and distance last month and, with further improvement to come and proven in the conditions, the son of Supreme Leader can follow up under Richard McGrath. Irish raider The Joker has shown plenty of ability and goes well for today's rider having won his last two including over C&D. The five-year-old will be no pushover but may have to settle for minor honours under a double penalty. Vandas Choice made a promising debut here in December and can confirm the placings with Bill's Echo while Hawick makes some appeal on breeding and should be noted in the exchanges.
