behind, hit fence, ridden and headway approaching 4 out, no impression after
held up, took closer order, 8th, hampered next, led 11th until next, led briefly approaching 4 out, soon hard ridden, rallied approaching last, stayed on well, led final stride
held up in touch, ridden and close 4th when mistake 4 out and one paced after
led until blundered and unseated rider 9th,
held up in touch, headway 11th, led approaching 4 out, soon ridden, no extra when headed final strides
chased leaders until 7th, behind from 9th, tailed off and pulled up before 4 out
always behind, tailed off from 9th
held up, headway after 9th, ridden after 13th, weakened rapidly after 2 out
prominent, hit 3rd, led 12th until next, ridden approaching 3 out, every chance last, weakened flat
chased leaders, left in lead 9th, headed 11th, soon lost place, lot to do approaching 2 out stayed on well flat
In a competitive race we will side with Dead-Eyed Dick from a shortlist that also contains Midnight Gunner, Tresor de Mai and Fox In The Box. Looking at the field. There are four course and distance winners in the line-up - Saffron Sun, Twisted Logic, Lucky Leader and Dead-Eyed Dick. The last-named looked progressive when gaining his c/d win last time and, with the runner-up having scored since from a higher mark than he was beaten from on that occasion, an eight-pound rise might not be enough to stop him from being competitive again. Saffron Sun is back to the mark from which he won at Stratford in July, but Twisted Logic is four pounds above a previous best winning mark, although his amateur rider does claim seven pounds. Lucky Leader has been raised 12 pounds for his Chepstow success, which makes things a lot tougher, and Annie Byers also needs a career best to win. Midnight Gunner is also back to the mark from which he last won and will not lack for fitness, while Fox In The Box earns the billing of interesting novice following wins in his last two races last term so could be of interest from a mark of 120. Ask Henry was useful a couple of years ago but has not raced for 565 days, while Prominent Profile is another who needs a career best to score, and he makes a quick return to the track after falling three days ago. Tresor de Mai is thrown in on his 2002 form and made an encouraging return for the season last time. Once again, though, the vote goes to Dead-Eyed Dick.
