chased leaders, hit 3rd and 9th, headway 13th, soon ridden, left 3rd three out, beaten when hit 2 out
led, hit 3rd, headed across 5th, pressed winner, ridden approaching 3 out, held when hit last
prominent, led approaching 5th, hit 3 out, ridden approaching last, stayed on well
jumped right, tracked leaders, ridden approaching 4 out, close 3rd and chance when blundered and unseated rider 3 out
chased leaders, lost touch approaching 13th, stayed on from 3 out
A small but competitive field goes to post for this handicap chase with many in form rivals in opposition including Cherry Gold Maidstone Monument and Vague Idea and we will take a chance on the last named. The ten year old has been in fair form of late and although he was disappointing last time out over hurdles he is taken to get back on the winning trail with conditions back in his favour. The top weight Cherry Gold rates the main danger he won well last time out when defeating Schoodic Point, the switch back to fences should not trouble him and with Christian Williams taking off a handy three pounds he will not be far away. Maidstone Monument is another in fine form of late but he gave the impression that the handicapper had caught up with him when third behind Flying Instructor last time so for that reason he is opposed on this occasion. Of the remainder Dale Creek is from a shrewd yard and is worth noting in the market as he looks to be off a lenient mark but we are happy to side with Vague Idea.
