tracked leader, went prominent 5th, led on bit appraoching 4 out, clear 2 out, ran on well
in touch, headway approaching 8th, hit 4 out, soon ridden, kept on same pace
held up, took closer order 6th, ridden approaching 4 out, weakened 3 out
chased leaders, weakened after 9th, behind and pulled up before 4 out
led, mistake 3rd, headed approaching 4 out, weakened quickly and pulled up before 3 out
held up, hit 1st, headway approaching 4 out, soon ridden, weakened 2 out
held up, mistake 3rd, short lived effort approaching 4 out, weakened 3 out
Parson Ploughman showed improved form on his return at Newton Abbot earlier this month and is taken to follow up at the main expense of Barton Baron and Backbeat. The last mentioned was well held behind Ashley Brook on his first start for a year in a novice chase here over two weeks ago and should strip fitter today. He makes more appeal than Charlies Future, who is consistent but appears to be in the grip of the handicapper at present. Oliver Sherwood's Kausse de Thaix could be interesting on his debut in a handicap but a bigger threat is likely to come from Barton Baron. Paul Keane's gelding made a winning reappearance at Towcester last month, giving every indication that this longer trip would suit. A 7lb rise in the weights since then leaves him with more to do though and preference is for Parson Ploughman. The Paul Nicholls-trained gelding has been raised 9lbs for his win at Newbury but that is perfectly fair and the son of Riverwise has an obvious chance of following up and is taken to do so.
