always behind
chased leaders, ridden 6th, weakened next, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
mid-division, headway 4th, ridden and one pace from 2 out
led to 6th, weakened next, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
always towards rear, tailed off when pulled up before 4 out
prominent, led 6th, ridden and headed 2 out, not fluent last, kept on flat
mid-division, headway approaching 5th, ridden to lead 2 out, mistake last, driven out
chased leaders, ridden 3 out, one pace from 2 out
took keen hold, mistakes 5th and 6th, always behind
always towards rear, tailed off when pulled up before 3 out
started very slowly, always tailed off, pulled up before 2 out
held up, headway 6th, ridden after 3 out, weakened approaching last
mid-division, mistake 5th, headway next, weakened after 3 out
always towards rear, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
Zarakash can follow up here at the expense of Virtus, Bill's Echo and Newsplayer to name but three. Zarakash was given a typical ride by Tony McCoy when rallying to master Convent Girl at Newton Abbot last month. The five-year-old appeared none too keen at Market Rasen the time before, but he clearly has the ability, and is taken to defy a six-pound higher mark today. Virtus finished third in a selling contest at Worcester with blinkers on for the first time, but needs to improve again, while Bill's Echo has topweight but is consistent enough and could easily reach the frame again Newsplayer has not been seen since making all on each of his last two outings over fences in 2003 and will in all probability need the run on this return over the smaller obstacles. Fenney Spring went up nearly a stone after an easy success at Uttoxeter, so was not discredited by finishing third on a return to the Midlands track last month. She should be there or thereabouts, but preference is for Zarakash who can once again benefit from the strength of McCoy in the plate.
Bill's Echo 7-2fav (11-4) Behind, headway approaching 7th, led 2 out, ridden and headed last, not quicken flat, 2nd of 10, 1 1/2l behind Tonic Du Charmil (11-9) at Uttoxeter 2m hcp chs 0-115 (D) gf in Jul.
Zarakash (IRE) 9-4fav (10-9) With leader, led after 4th, ridden and headed after 3 out, rallied to lead approaching last, driven out, won at N Abbot 2m 1f hcp hdl 0-115 (D) gf in Jul beating Convent Girl (10-10) by 1l, 7 ran.
Winslow Boy (USA) 14-1 (10-9) Held up in touch, ridden approaching 2 out, weakened approaching last, 3rd of 10, 16l behind Catchthebug (11-6) at Bangor 2m 1f nov hdl (D) gs in Jul.
Newsplayer (IRE) Evensfav (11-5) Made all, clear 10th, unchallenged, eased towards finish, won at Sedgefield 2m hcp chs 0-105 (E) gd in Oct '03 beating Business Class (11-1) by 14l, 5 ran.
Troodos Jet 66-1 (10-8) Always behind, 6th of 8, 42l behind Supply And Fix (10-12) at Sedgefield 2m 1f nov hdl (E) gf.
Virtus 11-2 (11-6) Always prominent, led 3rd, ridden and headed last, no extra, 3rd of 19, 5l behind Faddad (11-11) at Worcester 2m sll hcp hdl (G) gf.
Fenney Spring 13-2 (10-0) Mid-division, hit 7th, ridden and headway approaching 3 out, weakening when mistake 2 out, 3rd of 13, 17l behind Lilac (10-0) at Uttoxeter 2m 4f mrs hcp hdl (E) gs in Jul.
Moscow Executive 28-1 (10-7) Held up in touch, weakened 4 out, tailed off, 4th of 10, well behind Catchthebug (11-6) at Bangor 2m 1f nov hdl (D) gs in Jul.
