mid-division, ridden and stayed on strongly from 2 out, hit last, took 2nd close home
towards rear, mistake 3rd, headway 6th, hard ridden and beaten when hampered 2 out
in touch, headway after 6th, ridden to chase winner 2 out, headed close home
mid-division, ridden and headway on inside 2 out, weakened last
in touch, ridden and weakened 3 out
mid-division, ridden and weakening when hampered 2 out
never better than mid-division
led, ridden after 3 out, weakened 2 out
mid-division, smooth headway after 3 out, led on bit 2 out, shaken up and ran on well
in touch and keen, headway 3rd to track leaders, ridden and weakened 2 out
mid-division, ridden 3 out, stayed on one pace
held up towards rear, headway after 3 out, ridden and weakened approaching last
towards rear, behind after 3 out, stayed on strongly, nearest at finish
in rear, ridden when mistake 3 out, weakened 2 out
in rear, mistake and beaten 3 out
in touch, hard ridden in 4th when fell 2 out
in touch, ridden and weakened after 3 out
always rear
in touch, ridden and mistake 3 out, weakened quickly
never troubled leaders
tracked leaders, ridden approaching 2 out, weakened approaching last
always behind
Martin Pipe's scattergun approach to landing this race adds a good deal of interest to the contest but we will side with Monte Cinto in the card's feature, with his biggest dangers rated as Idole First, Chivalry, Escompteur and Rob Leach. The selection has won his last three races, including over course and distance last time in a very valuable handicap. He did not look like he had finished improving there and an 11lbs rise in the ratings might not be enough to stop him. Rob Leach has also won over course and distance and, much as winning a Fontwell seller is an unusual preparation for a race of this nature, he remains well handicapped on the very best of his form and the hugely-talented Paul Carberry takes the ride. Idole First looked progressive when scoring at Huntingdon last time and can improve again, while Escompteur could well prove best of the Pipe sextet. With classy performers like Copeland, Self Defense and Chivalry towards the top of the weights, this is an excellent race, as it should be for the money on offer, and we take Monte Cinto to add another big payday at Sandown to his career cv.
