held up in touch, headway on outer 4f out, ridden to chase leaders 3f out, weakened 2f out
held up mid-division, ridden and behind from 4 out
mid-division, ridden and headway over 2f out, kept on approaching final furlong
chased leader, ridden to lead just over 2f out, kept on inside final furlong
slowly away, went right start, always behind
in touch, ridden over 2f out, soon weakened
mid-division, and was never nearer
always behind
in touch, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
held up mid-division, ridden in headway over 2f out, stayed on inside final furlong
chase leaders, ridden over 2f out, kept on final furlong
always towards rear
chased leaders, ridden to challenge 2f out, every chance final furlong, ran on inside
mid-division, ridden over 2f out, weakened final furlong
led, ridden over 2f out, soon headed, weakened over 1f out
steadied start, behind, headway 4f out, weakened over 2f out
This looks a competitive handicap with several runners holding claims including Newmarket raiders Perfect Punch, Aphra Benn and Border Tale but a chance is taken with Valeureux, who appeals at the forecast odds. Perfect Punch went down by just a length to Eric Alston's Nakwa at Newcastle over this trip last time and has to be respected off just a 3lb higher mark and is entitled to improve further, along with the lightly-raced Aphra Benn. Michael Bell's Border Tale has been a consistent performer this term but gave the indication last time that he may now be in the grip of the handicapper. The top weight Golden Boot has the assistance of Kieren Fallon in the saddle but a doubt remains concerning his ability to stay this trip and more solid claims are held by the Barry Hills-trained Pop Gun. The son of Pharly has shown improved form this term and has to be respected. Sinjaree was well supported last time and it will be interesting to see whether he is backed again over this longer distance, which is expected to suit. However, it is Valeureux who gets the vote. Admittedly the son of Cadeaux Genereux has not won for over two years but he showed respectable form over a variety of trips last term and looked unlucky not to win over hurdles last season. Returning to the flat on a very favourable mark, the five-year-old ran creditably first time out at Hamilton over an inadequate mile. Now stepped up to today's distance, he looks worth a bet at potentially rewarding odds.
