held up, some headway 3 out, no impression after
held up behind, weakened after 7th
chased leaders, jumped left 5th, chased winner from next, ridden after 3 out, kept on but no impression on winner
in touch until weakened approaching 7th, behind and pulled up before 3 out
held up, good headway approaching 7th, led 3 out, soon clear, easily
led until 4th, chased leader until 6th, weakened after next
prominent, led 4th until 3 out, weakened quickly and pulled up before 2 out
in touch until 6th, soon behind, pulled up after 3 out
held up, headway after 3 out, kept on same pace, never troubled leaders
Vodka Bleu has been disappointing but should be up to beating this lot, with Karoo the only realistic danger. Martin Pipe would be the first to admit that he has found it hard to place Vodka Bleu since he arrived from Ireland, having seen him beaten on all eight starts. Compared with Pizarro no less after landing a bumper on his Leopardstown debut, the son of Pistolet Bleu has under achieved. The fitting of a visor at Cheltenham in April seemed set to work the oracle, but after setting the pace and looking the likely winner turning for home, he tired on the run-in. Even so, that was an improved effort, and the slight drop back in distance may finally see him come good. Timmy Murphy, who has been persistently linked with the vacant post at Pond House, can do his prospects no harm by doing what Tony McCoy failed to do and get the five-year-old home. Karoo showed a bit of promise when put over hurdles at Exeter a fortnight ago and can give him most to do, while Zadok The Priest, a maiden on the Flat, showed up well on his Bangor bow and is another that can be found a small race. However, Vodka Bleu has taken on much better company, has the experience, and if he gets turned over here it will be hard to make any more excuses.
