chased leaders, ridden approaching 3 out, weakened approaching last
held up, pushed along after 5th, weakened 4 out, tailed off when pulled up before 3 out
chased leader, led 3 out, ridden next, kept on well
held up in mid-division, headway to chase leaders approaching 5th, chased winner after 2 out, weakened last
mid-division, ridden and weakened 3 out
always behind, unseated rider 3 out
chased leaders, outpaced approaching 3 out, went 2nd last, every chance flat, no extra
led to 3 out, soon ridden, one pace from next
held up, headway 4 out, weakened approaching next
held up towards rear, weakened 3 out
held up towards rear, headway to chase leaders when ran out 3 out
always behind, tailed off when pulled up before 3 out
This should not take a great deal of winning and Arctic Lagoon makes most appeal, getting the verdict ahead of Time To Reflect and Opal's Helmsman. The last mentioned unseated last time but holds solid claims on the evidence of his earlier staying on fourth behind Cosmic Case. Len Lungo's Sagardian has shown promise in two starts this term and there may be more to come from him, while former hunter Lord Edwards Army is difficult to assess back over hurdles. Brandy Wine, a stablemate of Sagardian, is less exposed than his rivals and cannot be dismissed entirely on his handicap debut but a bigger threat is likely to come from Time To Reflect. Richard Guest's gelding is well treated on chase form and has to be respected reverting to the smaller obstacles. Narrow preference is for Arctic Lagoon, who has the beating of Opal's Helmsman on running behind Cosmic Case and is more likely to appreciate these conditions.
