made all, came clear soon after 2 out, pushed out flat, easily
raced in 3rd, chased winner 5th, ridden when hit 2 out, no impression soon after
last pair, slow jump 1st and 2nd, struggling approaching 5th, soon lost touch, pulled up approaching last
chased winner, hit 1st, lost 2nd 5th, ridden after 3 out, weakened and hit 2 out
mistakes, last pair, ridden and lost touch before 5th, tailed off
This could prove to be an interesting battle between HELIUM and Tuanku with the remainder having no realistic chance of upsetting the applecart. Nick Gifford made an excellent start to the season and Helium notched up a maiden success at Warwick to justify strong support. The form is nothing out of the ordinary but he looked a decent prospect and his trainer has spoken positively of him. Tuanku arguably sets the standard here and his experience and battling qualities will stand him in good stead as will the 4lbs that he receives. He's not one of the yard's leading lights as he showed when only able to finish in midfield at Cheltenham but he does provide us with a decent yardstick by which to judge the form. King Olav was useful on the level and is worth keeping an eye on which is also the case with Drum Major who could enjoy a confidence boosting round here following his fall at Newbury. Highland Homestead ran well enough at Huntingdon to think that he can win races but we'd be surprised if it were this one as it has the look of a match with Helium taken to hit the heights.
Helium (FR) 5-2 (11-5) Led, raced keenly, jumped right from 3rd, headed and hampered 2 out, soon ridden, rallied to lead and hung left flat, ran on, won at Warwick 2m 3yo nov hdl (4) gs in Nov beating Sainglend (10-2) by 3/4l, 13 ran.
Tuanku (IRE) 25-1 (11-2) Tracked leader, hit 3 out, every chance 2 out, soon ridden, one pace from last, 7th of 15, 12l behind Simarian (11-6) at Cheltenham 2m nov hdl Grd 2 (1) sft in Nov.
Drum Major (IRE) 16-1 (10-12) Took keen hold, held up in touch when fell at the 2nd in race won by Nino Cochise (10-12) at Newbury 2m 3yo nov hdl (3) gs in Nov, 9 ran.
Highland Homestead 20-1 (11-0) Held up towards rear, headway after 3 out, soon chasing leaders, kept on same pace approaching last, 4th of 7, 6l behind Walkon (11-0) at Huntingdon 2m 3yo nov hdl (2) gd in Nov.
King Olav (UAE) 5-1 (9-1) In touch, lost place well over 3f out, pulled up and dismounted 2f out pulled up in race won by Expresso Star (8-13) at Nottingham 1m 2f hcp 0-85 (4) sft in Oct, 15 ran (Flat).
