made all, ridden approaching last, kept on well
chased leaders, ridden after 5 out, weakened after 2 out
chased leader, ridden and every chance 3 out, kept on one pace
in touch until lost place 8th, blundered 11th, tailed off when pulled up before 4 out
chased leaders, lost place after 10th, tailed off when pulled up before 4 out
held up in touch, headway after 5 out, ridden after 3 out, one pace and no impression from 2 out
Strong Resolve can defy topweight over Historg, with Harrycone Lewis, The Kew Tour and Doe Nal Rua making for a tight little contest. After finishing second to subsequent winner Colourful Life at Bangor in October, it was no surprise when Strong Resolve duly went one better at Ayr 18 days ago. Lucinda Russell's charge galloped his rivals into the ground that day, and can brush off a rise in the weights to score again and earn his place in the Welsh National. Historg is the class act in the line-up, having taken on top company in the past, but he is still on the comeback trail. His recent third at Haydock was his first outing in 604 days, and whatever he does today, he will be one to follow. Harrycone Lewis showed that he can handle soft ground at least when scoring at Market Rasen but he has a lot more to do now, while Doe Nal Rua was brought along steadily as a novice and is another that needs to improve in this company. Basically, Historg has the class, but Strong Resolve is fitter at present and can make that count.
