held up in touch, weakened quickly and well behind from 13th, tailed off when pulled up before 4 out
in touch, ridden and lost place from 5th, tailed off 9th, blundered 13th
behind, mistake 2nd, ridden and stayed on same pace from 4 out, left poor third last
close-up, tracked winner 12th to 14th, weakened next, tailed off
held up, headway to track leaders 11th, chased winner 14th to after 3 out, third and no chance when left second last
prominent, mistake and lost place from 13th, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
took keen hold, prominent until settled in touch 5th, effort 4 out, chased winner after next, 3 lengths second and looked held when blundered and fell last
held up until headway to track leader 5th to 8th, weakened 12th, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
made all, ridden and pressed before 2 out, 3 lengths ahead and looked likely winner when left well clear last
A very competitive handicap chase that may fall to Hazeljack, with The Lyme Volunteer and Leith Hill Star the likely dangers. Hazeljack was most impressive when landing his first race in 13 starts. It wasn't the strongest of races but he did ploughed through the mud to beat Schu Shine by an easy 23 lengths. With conditions in his favour again today he looks capable of following up that victory. The Lyme Volunteer has constantly flattered to deceive but on his best form he looks very well treated and it would be no surprise to see him involved in the finish. Leith Hill Star won well over course and distance back in November and wasn't beaten far next time over an inadequate trip. As long as the ground doesn't come up too soft he should be in the shake up. Courage Under Fire is also in with a squeak if fit for his seasonal bow, but on this occasion Hazeljack looks the pick of the weights and gets the vote.
