led, headed 7th, ridden approaching 2 out, kept on same pace
held up in touch and keen, ridden after 3 out, pulled up approaching next
held up, headway approaching 3 out, chased winner and ridden approaching 2 out, kept on
prominent to 6th, soon behind, tailed off
tracked leaders, led 7th, ridden after 2 out, stayed on well
Despite the lack of numbers, this looks quite competitive. Elenas River, who has been chasing without success, may be good enough on this return to timber. A winner at Ludlow last year, she looks to have something to find off her current mark. However, she never tackled this trip over timber, but has appeared to show improved form over fences when stepping up in distance. Nemisto has been a grand campaigner, but he looks to need plenty of give underfoot to be at his best, while Diletia will need to turn in a personal best if she is to win off this mark. However, she does go well on fast ground. The main threat may prove to be Above The Cut, who handles fast ground, stays well and, taking into account his riders claim, will be receiving best part of two stone from the selection.
