held up in rear, headway 12th, went 2nd after 2 out, ridden to lead run-in, ran on strongly
not fluent, held up in touch, blundered and dropped rear 3rd, hit 9th, rallied 4 out, 5th and outpaced when blundered and unseated rider next
held up towards rear, headway halfway, led 2 out, headed run-in, no extra towards finish
held up in rear, hampered 8th, steady headway when blundered and unseated rider 13th
led, ridden and headed 2 out, one pace under pressure
tracked leaders, ridden 3 out, outpaced next
mid-division, headway 12th and in touch, ridden 3 out, soon outpaced
tracked leader to halfway, weakening when hampered 12th, behind when pulled up before next
mid-division, headway halfway and in touch, fell 12th
Quite a competitive race which look sure to be run at a fair clip; which should suit the old boy Xaipete, who is narrowly preferred to Jordan's Ridge and Royal Castle, who arrive here with sound each way claims after solid recent performances. In contrast to Chevalier Errant, who has something to prove after living up to his surname with sloppy fencing in a better race than this at Aintree last time. Extra Proud and Lauderdale also fit a similar profile and are probably best watched today. Therefore, Xaipete, who has found a new lease of life this year, looks the safest option to run up to form. The gelding has consistently tried his heart out for the Guest/Mason partnership for a number of years now and, there will be fewer more popular winners if he can gain some compensation for those efforts today.
