with leader, led 4th, ridden approaching last, bumped and headed flat, no extra
always behind, tailed off from 7th
with leader, left in lead 1st, headed 4th, chased leaders, ridden and led 2 out
chased leaders, 2nd at 7th, ridden and weakened 3 out
led, ran out 1st
chased leaders, went 2nd and hit 3 out, ridden to challenge last, edged left and led flat, ran on well
held up in touch, mistake 5th, reminders after, weakened from 4 out
close up, lost place 3rd, unseated rider next
held up in touch, headway to chase leaders 6th, ridden approaching 3 out, soon weakened
always behind, slightly hampered 4th, tailed off from 7th, pulled up before last
A wide open affair rounds off the card but the principles look to be Jack Pot II, Valereux and Carlys Quest and we will make Jack Pot II our choice. The 7-year-old won well last time out over a longer trip and if he is not inconvenienced by the drop in distance he will be hard to beat. Valereux is in good heart at present and will not be far away at the finish despite top weight, but he would prefer more cut in the ground and will find it difficult to beat our selection. Carlys Quest made a pleasing return after a lengthy absence last time and could be interesting providing she does not bounce. Charlies Memory is from a yard in form and was a fair third last time out so could run well at a price, especially as his young rider is desperate for another two winners that will make him eligible to ride in the Grand National. This is not easy race to predict, but Jack Pot II holds solid claims and is given the nomination.
