led, soon clear, ridden and headed approaching 3 out, soon weakened, eased
held up, headway 4th, every chance approaching 3 out, soon ridden, one pace
held up, headway 5th, ridden approaching 3 out, weakened 2 out
chased leader, not much room and mistake 3 out, weakened quickly, eased
held up, headway after 5th, led 2 out, soon ridden, kept on, driven out
held up, headway 4th, led approaching 3 out, ridden and headed 2 out, kept on same pace
held up, ridden approaching 3 out, soon weakened
Mister Flint had looked a useful novice when landing races at Worcester and here over course and distance in September but has blotted his copy book in two starts since so may be best watched and preference is for Murat, who gets the vote over Monte Cinto. The selection looks well treated judged by his third behind the useful pairing of Almaydan and Fountain Hill when last seen at Taunton in February and with fitness not normally a problem for one of Martin Pipe's inmates he is taken to make a winning return. Alan King has his stable in good form at the moment so Doce Vida has to be respected but she was being pushed along when falling last time and the handicapper may have her measure. Once Seen would not appear to be particularly well treated for his first start in a handicap on his reappearance and of more interest may be Sovereign's Gift, who has claims on the pick of her form and receives weight all round. Winning chaser Barren Lands needs to step up on his recent effort at Newbury and a bigger threat may come from Monte Cinto. The Paul Nicholls-trained gelding showed improved form when making a winning return at Warwick earlier this month and he has claims off an 8lb higher mark. Murat looks well treated for his debut in the grade though and he is taken to give Martin Pipe another winner.
