led, hit 4 out, ridden and headed next, hit 2 out when weakening
held up, headway 5 out, led 3 out, ridden and under pressure 2 out, headed approaching last, led soon after, no extra when headed flat
tracked leaders, went 2nd at 4th, hit 6th, not fluent 11th, ridden after 3 out, challenged 2 out, led and headed when mistake last, rallied to lead again flat all out
chased leader to 4th, behind from 6th, tailed off when pulled up before 9th
This looks a great opportunity for Coral Island to follow up on his Newbury success just two days ago. He has to race under a 7lb penalty but has been dropped the same amount by the handicapper and so is effectively able to race off the same mark. He bounced back to form after a long below-par spell which had seen him plummet in the weights and seems well suited to these type of small field events nowadays. Joint top-weight Captains Table has been racing against some of the top novices around this season including subsequent Cheltenham Festival winner Palarshan at Leicester last time and has to be considered in this company. However the step up in trip may not be in his favour and thus he may just find the selection too good at these weights. Benson has lost his way over fences this season and fell at the second last time out, his stable remain in good form but this one is best watched. Passereau was out of his depth at the Cheltenham Festival and takes a big drop in class here. He does appreciate a bit of give in the ground but in this company has to be feared.
