mid-division, blundered 1st, ridden after 2nd, chased leaders approaching 4 out, ridden after 2nd last, no impression
led approaching 1st, ridden 3 out, headed approaching last, no extra flat
towards rear, ridden 4 out, never dangerous
prominent, blundered 8th, ridden 4 out, gradually weakened
towards rear, headway approaching 4 out, ridden and weakedned approaching 2 out
tracked leaders, towards rear after 4th, ridden and behind 7th, lost touch from next
tracked leaders, ridden and headway approaching 4 out, led approaching last, kept on well flat
in touch, behind halfway, soon lost touch, pulled up before 4 out
A case can be made for most of these in a contest of this nature and the ability to take a fence cleanly will probably be the deciding factor. Night Fighter has some useful hurdles form to his name and has taken to chasing well enough to merit consideration in this company. However, he has suffered from lameness throughout his career and that risk factor will have to be built into his price before he represents decent value today. The Tinker also comes into the argument on the pick of his efforts and the return to the minimum trip over timber should not be a problem for him. He does make the odd mistake at his fences though and his poor completion record over fences leaves him vulnerable today. Urban Hymn also needs to improve on his jumping and he has a little to prove with some of today's rivals on these terms. Therefore Elvis Reigns, a newcomer to Mickey Hammond's yard, is given another chance in the hope that the change of scenery will initiate a return to form. He does have a little to find with Night Fighter after their meeting at Catterick last December, but the better ground and flatter surface will suit him well today. Mumbai and River Styx have both had plenty of chances in the past but have the capabilities to fill the minor roles if they can negotiate a clear round.
