mid-division, ridden 3 out, soon beaten
behind, hampered 5th, some headway halfway, ridden 4 out, weakened and behind when pulled up 2 out
led, hit 10th and 4th last, headed next, soon ridden and no extra
mid-division, blundered 1st, effort halfway, ridden and behind 12th, soon beaten, pulled up before 2 out
tracked leaders, led 2 out, ridden and headed after last, no extra run-in
prominent, ridden 3 out, led briefly 3 out, headed 2 out, ridden and kept on to lead again run-in
mid-division, fell 3rd
tracked leaders, reminders approaching 2 out, ridden and soon weakened
fell 2nd
This is a race that will not take much winning despite the numbers, and easy Newcastle scorer On The Luce is selected to once again master Solway Rose, with King Plato and Sleepy River best of the others. Point-to-point winner On The Luce was given a couple of outings over shorter trips earlier this season, before being unleashed in heavy ground over three miles at Newcastle two weeks ago. He bolted up that day, comfortably accounting for Solway Rose and Sleepy River, and although meeting that pair on 8lb and 19lb worse terms respectively, is confidently expected by connections to take this in his stride. King Plato has topweight to contend with but goes well for Paul Robson and is getting the hang of things over fences. Briar Rose appreciates a real stamina test, and even this contest might not be grueling enough. Red Brae did not stay over hurdles but has shown a bit of resolution since being switched to the bigger obstacles, and does at least have the assistance of a strong pilot. The rest are hard to make claims for, and a clear round should be good enough for On The Luce to follow up.