chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, no impression after
held up, headway on inner over 2f out, ridden to lead approaching final furlong, soon clear
tracked leader and keen, ridden over 2f out, soon weakened
held up, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
led, ridden over 1f out, soon headed, kept on inside final furlong, no chance with winner
tracked leaders, ridden over 3f out, soon weakened
A hard race to go out on and one in which James Caird may prove too strong for Maritime Blues, with Archie Babe and Thesaurus in the equation as well. James Caird made his first visit to Pontefract a winning one a week ago, benefiting from a drop in trip to prevail in the hands of today's pilot Saleem Golam. That was round four of this apprentice series and Mark Tompkins' Newmarket raider will be fancied to also take this final round. Maritime Blues gained back-to-back victories at Nottingham in the summer but ran well below form at Newcastle last time. Maybe the handicapper has got to him but in this weak event he should be prominent. Archie Babe meanwhile is considered better with give underfoot and although successful here four times, will find things a bit lively unless the heavens open. Thesaurus, a dual Goodwood winner for Ian Wood, has his first outing for Andy Crook and looks set for a career over hurdles this winter. We will take James Caird to follow up his recent course win.
