tracked leader, ridden to lead after 3 out, weakened approaching final furlong
always rear
mid-division, reminders 6th, weakened 3 out
tracked leaders and keen, ridden to lead approaching 2 out, kept on well
in touch, ridden to chase leaders 3 out, weakened 2 out
always behind
held up rear, ridden 6th, headway after 3 out, not reach leaders
towards rear, ridden and stayed on after 3 out
in rear, pulled up after 4 out
led and soon clear, ridden and weakening when headed 3 out
tracked leaders, ridden to chase leaders 3 out, weakened 2 out
mid-division, headway after 6th, ridden to chase leaders 3 out, stayed on from 2 out, took 2nd final furlong
mid-division, mistake 6th, soon weakened and pulled up before 2 out
Withdrawn
Nonrunner
Nonrunner
Jaunty Times and Pardishar have both been showing consistent form of late and have to be respected but may have to settle for a minor role behind The Persuader, who looks to be potentially well treated. The selection was useful on his day on the flat when with Mark Johnston and looked good when landing a Maiden hurdle at Taunton in February. A subsequent defeat behind Medison may be better than it appeared at first glance and, with this sharp track likely to suit, the Paul Nicholls-trained gelding is taken to make a winning start in a handicap off what looks a fair mark of 115. Martin Pipe's Gone Far has only had one start since the summer and comes here fresher than most so has to be respected along with John Best's Mind How You Go, who showed improved form at Kempton last time. Steve Brookshaw's Cashel Dancer has a nice racing weight and is another to consider although stronger claims are probably held by Henry Daly's Jaunty Times, who ran up to his best behind subsequent Aintree winner Holland Park at Uttoxeter last month. Pardishar has more to do than when winning at Newbury last time but is going the right way, while Page Point probably did not beat much when successful at Huntingdon on his most recent start and is likely to find the opposition here tougher. The Persuader is unexposed and looks to be on a fair mark so gets the vote.
