led, ridden 2 out, weakened quickly approaching last, finished tired
always behind, pecked and went left 1st, ridden approaching 3 out, soon weakened, pulled up before last
held up mid-division, ridden 6th, soon weakened
held up towards rear, headway on bit from 3 out, challenged and led 2 out, pushed clear from last, comfortably
held up towards rear, ridden 4th, headway 5th, soon weakened, pulled up approaching 2 out
held up in touch, ridden before 6th, soon weakened
held up in mid-division, ridden 6th, soon weakened
held up in touch, jumped slowly 2nd, ridden 6th, weakened 3 out
prominent, ridden 3 out, weakened approaching 2 out
chased leader, reminder after 5th, ridden 3 out, weakened 2 out
held up towards rear, ridden 6th, soon weakened
Not quite the quality we were promised at the five-day-stage but Escompteur has a favourites chance ahead of Spartan Place and Twenty Degrees. A winner on his first British start at Bangor and a subsequent odds-on victor at Plumpton, Escompteur was highly tried at Sandown last time out. Under the circumstances, that wasn't a bad effort and today's race does mark a very serious downgrade in terms of class and the price will doubtless be short as a consequence. Spartan Place was arguably a little flattered to finish quite so close to Pole Star but there is a race within his compass in the not too distant future. Twenty Degrees is plenty exposed and would have been better off with our selection had it been a handicap. Connections are evidently hoping for an overnight deluge to aid his chances. Demarco's yard have had a season to forget while anything The Holy Bee achieves over hurdles will be a bonus. Escompteur has to respected on his form thus far and will be short odds to justify our selection on this occasion.
