led to 6th, pecked 7th, led again 11th, blundered and headed 4 out, weakened 3 out
behind, some headway 5 out, fell 4 out
mid-division, slow jump 8th, soon behind, tailed off when pulled up before 5 out
always behind, mistake 5th, ridden 7th, tailed off and pulled up before 11th
prominent, reminders 3rd, weakened 7th
held up mid-division, headway 9th, not fluent 12th, mistake 4 out, soon one pace
in touch, blundered 7th and lost place, headway 10th to chase leaders, every chance 5 out, ridden and weakened 2 out, mistake last
prominent, led 6th until after 7th, pecked next, weakening when mistake 5 out, pulled up before 4 out
always behind, pulled up before 5 out
always in touch, headway to lead 4 out, driven out
prominent, led after 7th until 11th, ridden and every chacne 4 out, stayed on same pace
held up towards rear, headway 5 out, ridden 3 out, one pace 2 out
in touch, weakened 8th, tailed off when pulled up 5 out
prominent to 7th, weakened 10th, tailed off, pulled up before 13th
mistakes in rear, tailed off when pulled up before 4 out
behind from 7th, pulled up before 5 out
reluctant to race, lost touch 7th, pulled before 12th
The vote goes to Secret Drinker in a very tricky race to end the card at Chepstow. Robber and Up The Pub are a couple of others that appeal as shortlist material, while it is always dangerous to rule out Southerndown in events of this nature as he has often hinted that his turn is near by. The fact that he has not won for the best part of two years does temper the confidence for win only purposes though and others make more appeal for the lion's share of the spoils. Up The Pub is far less exposed than many and comes here with sound claims of making the frame. However, he already has a little to prove with the selection and may have to settle for a supporting role again. Robber is another horse that has been very hard to win with and his connections must be despairing of what they have to do for him to force his head in front. The eight-year-old looked like he was going to make winning start for Peter Bowen when he took up the running at Hereford last time out. However, he was once again made to look pedestrian when he was passed in the closing stages. He remains one to treat with caution. Therefore, we switch to Secret Drinker, who has at least won from a similar mark in the past and has conditions to suit this afternoon.
