tracked leader, led after 8th, mistake 13th, ridden after last, kept on
held up in 3rd, fell 1st
held up, hampered 1st, reminders after 8th, weakened from 12th, held off from next
led, headed after 8th, chased winner, ridden approaching last, every chance flat, not quickened
A clear round should suffice for Virgin Soldier, who looks to be different class to his three rivals of whom Benrajah gets the verdict over Taleban for the forecast spot. The last mentioned finished 18 lengths behind the selection over course and distance in July but failed to build on that effort when well beaten at Cartmel subsequently and more solid claims are held by Benrajah, a 100-rated hurdler, who should do better over fences. In Extremis II is no better than plating class so this should go to Virgin Soldier. Rated 124 at his best over hurdles, Alan Swinbank's gelding made an unconvincing start to his chasing career but followed up his victory here in July with another success here last month. Improving with each race over the larger obstacles, Virgin Soldier is the obvious selection to complete a hat trick.
