led to 9th, remained prominent, stayed on to challenge 3 out, no extra after 2 out
tracked leaders, led 15th, ridden and joined last, stayed on gamely under pressure flat
held up in rear, rapid headway to go 2nd 5th, led 9th to 15th, weakened quickly next, tailed off and pulled up before 2 out
keen hold and prominent, weakened and behind from 13th, tailed off and pulled up before 3 out
tracked leaders, jumped slow 4th, chased winner 4 out, not fluent next, ridden and weakened before 2 out
held up, lost touch from 13th, tailed off and pulled up before 3 out
in touch, went 2nd 4th to next, mistake 15th, stayed on after 2 out, every chance when not fluent last, kept on same pace
held up in touch, ridden 4 out, soon beaten
not jumped well in rear, jumped slow 3rd, mistake 5th, weakened and behind 13th, tailed off and pulled up before 4 out
held up, blundered 9th, behind from 12th, tailed off
The highlight of the day with last years first three, again doing battle. Florida Pearl received a ride and a half from Adrian Maguire, when winning this last year. Everything went right for him that day and it is hard to see him retaining his crown, especially as he has been slow to come to hand this time round. Bacchanal was beaten fair and square last year and although his stable is firing on all cylinders, it is hard to see him landing this prestigious prize. High class two-miler Flagship Uberalles, surely has too much speed to be effective at this trip, while the likes of Wahiba Sands and Shooting Light look to be out of their depth. Native Upmanship is worthy of respect, as is Lord Noelie and Marlborough, although the latter pair wouldn't want too much more rain. French raider Douze Douze didn't impress with his fencing at Huntingdon behind Best Mate and has plenty to find on these revised terms. This looks to be at the mercy of Best Mate, who can gain compensation for last years narrow defeat.
