led, headed 4th, left in front 12th, headed again 14th, soon beaten
prominent, ridden and chased winner from 3 out, ridden next, not pace of winner after
held up, hit 7th, disputed 3rd and going well when fell 15th
tracked leaders, led 14th, ridden approaching last, kept on well
held up, outpaced after 4th, soon lost touch, pulled up after 7th
tracked leaders, led 4th, going well when blundered and fell 12th
slowly into stride and behind, blundered badly 10th, hampered badly 15th, lost touch from 3 out
A cracking race in prospect here and Shardam is taken to edge out Montreal and Iverian in a close one to call. Shardam has stamina to burn and is capable of producing a decent turn of foot at the end of his races; attributes that will suit him well this evening as there are a handful that can be played late coming into opposition. However, Nigel Twiston-Davies' charge has a commendable attitude and he can gain some compensation for frustratingly near miss at Aintree at the end of last season. Montreal has to be considered as a serious threat and should be suited to this return to a longer trip. But his overall record suggests that he may find at least one too good. Iverian is also respected as a live danger to the selection and is sure to go well if he is anywhere near his best. He is still open to improvement and is one to bear in mind for the future when he returns to Wincanton. Skippers Cleuch has yet to really shine over fences and is best monitored for the time being.
