tracked leaders, went 2nd 11th, led 14th, 10 lengths clear when blundered badly and unseated rider 2 out
behind, mistake 4th, ridden 12th, soon lost touch
prominent, soon pushed along, outpaced 12th, rallied 3 out, left 3rd 2 out, every chance last, not quicken towards finish
held up, mistake 6th, headway 8th, ridden and outpaced 14th, left 2nd 2 out, led last, driven out
always in rear, lost touch when blundered 8th, tailed off and pulled up before 4 out
prominent, led 3rd to 6th, mistake and lost place 11th, tailed off and pulled up before 4 out
led to 3rd, led again 6th to 14th, ridden and outpaced 4 out, left in lead 2 out, jumped right and headed last, soon beaten
Shardam appeared to appreciate the step up to this trip when a most convincing four-length winner at Chepstow earlier in the month. The Nigel Twiston-Davies-trained gelding has further improvement to come and is handed the TEAMtalk vote to defy a subsequent 2lb rise. Manodee was a narrow winner at Huntingdon in September (now 4lb higher) and looks opposable after suffering a crashing fall last time. Fluff 'N' Puff is on a fair mark and will be sharper for a recent return but remains a maiden and is becoming frustrating while Tom's River makes his seasonal reappearance and may just need the outing.
