tracked leaders, led 3 out, ridden 2 out, stayed on strongly
held up in rear, headway after 3 out, ridden and one pace after 2 out
held up towards rear, headway approaching 3 out, effort approaching 2 out, one pace under pressure
held up in midfield, headway to chase leaders when stumbled 3 out, effort next, kept on one pace
led, headed 5th, soon weakened, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
towards rear, weakened half way, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
tracked leaders, ridden after 3 out, weakened between last 2
tracked leader, led 5th, headed 3 out, soon weakened
held up in midfield, pushed along 3 out, ridden and no impression from next
Flame Phoenix and Blackthorn are the two to concentrate on against some pretty moderate rivals and the will give the narrow vote to Flame Phoenix. The 5-year-old has been in good form of late and was a good second under his penalty behind Dawton last time. He has similar conditions to contend with here and in what looks an easier race he is taken to get back on the winning trail. Blackthorn should give him the most to do as he was a decent second on his hurdling debut behind Artane Boys. He is sure to have come on for that effort but he just gave the impression that he would be suited by a longer trip and for that reason he is passed over. Flake would have chances on his best efforts in bumpers but he has not progressed as expected. If he has strengthened up over the winter then he could well make the frame at a price. Jamal has won at up to 9 furlongs on the flat and is worth noting in the market , but Flame Phoenix sets a decent standard here and is taken to score.
