in touch, ridden approaching 3 out, weakened from next
behind when unseated rider, 2nd
close up, led 3rd, ridden and headed 2 out, soon weakened
chased leaders, challenged 3 out, ridden and soon outpaced, ran on well to lead flat
held up, headway approaching 3 out, every chance 2 out, left in lead last, headed and one-paced flat
mid-division, headway approaching 3 out, led 2 out, going well when fell last
led til headed 3rd, remained close up, ridden approaching 3 out, weakened next
held up, ridden and outpaced approaching 3 out, kept on between last 2, never dangerous
mid-division, headway approaching 3 out, soon every chance, kept on approaching last
held up, headway approaching 3 out, soon ridden, kept on from next
in rear, ridden and behind from 4 out
mid-division, ridden approaching 2 out, weakened approaching last
held up, headway approaching 3 out, ridden approaching next, no impression
A competitive finale, and it will be interesting to see whether there is any market support for Claude Greengrass. JP McManus' horse was the subject of a big gamble on his first start for Jonjo O'Neill at Catterick, and failed by only a short head. He made amends at Doncaster next time, but was then disappointing over two and a half miles on heavy ground at Bangor. These conditions should suit him better, and although he does not look the easiest of rides, jockey Liam Cooper is as good as any on this type of horse and we are prepared to give him another chance. Dangers include Stormy Beech, who is in great heart but may be best with some cut in the ground, and Minivet, whose confidence will have been given a boost by winning a seller at Catterick last time. Speed Venture has yet to get his act together this season but is well treated on some of his old form and is one to consider at a decent price.
