behind, mistake 7th, never dangerous
tracked leader, mistake 12th, losing place when hampered next, pulled up before 14th
mid-division, headway 11th, in touch when pulled up and broke leg approaching 13th
chased leaders to 3 out, soon ridden, weakened next
mid-division, pushed along 12th, outpaced next, ridden 3 out, stayed on well approaching last, nearest finish
led to 3 out, ridden next, stayed on one paced approaching last
held up in rear, outpaced approaching 3 out, weakened next.
chased leaders, pushed along 12th, ridden to chase leaders when mistake 3 out, stayed on once pace from next.
held up towards rear, headway 12th, led 3 out, driven 3 approaching next, stayed on well comfortably.
The ability to jump fences at speed is always a bit of an imponderable in races of this nature and plenty has to be taken on trust with regard to narrowing down the field. However, The Merry Mason hinted that he would be better suited to chasing as last season went on and his previous experience will stand him in good stead today. He is a dour stayer who should have no problem with the trip and can strike for his in-form yard. Ex-Irish pointer Tierkely shaped up well on his first run for almost two years at Perth recently and is taken to give the selection the most to do. Frankie Anson and Club Royal are best left alone for win only purposes with The Merry Mason in the field.