tracked leaders, went 2nd after 6th, ridden 3 out, no chance with winner from next
led, headed 5th, soon ridden, weakened, held off
always towards rear, well behind when hit 3 out
always prominent, hit 3rd, led 5th, went clear after 3 out, easily
held up, ridden and steady headway from 3 out, challenged for 2nd approaching last, no extra flat
An uncompetitive field and this appears another good opportunity for Chivite while Unsigned and Flying Spirit look the only serious dangers. The Philip Hobbs-trained gelding was a fair staying-handicapper on the level and has taken well to hurdling, notching recent wins at both Huntingdon and Uttoxeter of late. The son of Alhaarth was particularly impressive when recording a 19-length victory at the latter track and looks capable of defying a double penalty in the hands of Richard Johnson. Unsigned has claims on his Worcester success in June but made several mistakes before taking a crashing fall on his next start two weeks later and now has something to prove having been absent since. Flying Spirit showed only limited ability on two previous start over timber but ran a close second in a useful middle-distance handicap on the level last time to suggest he is worth persevering with over obstacles so shouldn't be discounted on these terms.
