pulled hard, tracked leader after 2nd until after 5th, ridden approaching 3 out, weakened approaching last
always behind
tracked leader until after 2nd, led after 5th, ridden 2 out, headed last, no extra flat
led and jumped right, headed after 5th, ridden 3 out, weakened approaching last
tracked leaders, ridden after 3 out, led last, stayed on
Theocritus is due to go up a stone very soon following a reassessment and is therefore tempting, but with so much rain around it could pay to stick with those proven in the mud, and so we take Top Style to beat Dance Party and Bonny Grey. Top Style was unlucky to be brought down last time, but prior to that had beaten Rising Generation at Perth, and he's a heavy and soft ground winner who still looks capable of winning from this current mark of 104. Dance Party is another mudlark, who will be aided by conditions, but he will need to be, given that he looks to be in the grip of the handicapper. Top weight Bonny Grey returns from a six month break at her optimum trip and with conditions to suit. She is a consistent sort who is capable off this mark if fit enough. Meanwhile Theocritus surprised plenty of people with a decent run to finish second in a Class B at Cheltenham recently. A repeat of that would be good enough, but in these conditions we'll take him on with Top Style.
Bonny Grey 9-4fav (11-5) Took keen hold, always prominent, led 7th, ridden 2 out, headed approaching last, not quicken flat, 2nd of 13, 1 1/2l behind Blueberry Ice (10-5) at Hereford 2m 3f mrs nov hdl (E) gf in Apr.
Alchimiste (FR) (9-11) behind Polivalente (10-3) at Auteuil 2m 4f chs sft in Jun, 9 ran.
Top Style (IRE) 4-1 (10-10) Held up in rear when brought down 4 out in race won by Rising Generation (11-9) at Kelso 2m hcp hdl 0-115 (D) gs in Oct, 13 ran.
Dance Party (IRE) 16-1 (11-6) Mid-division, ridden 3 out, never on terms, 6th of 14, 14l behind Mr Bigglesworth (11-7) at Wetherby 2m hcp hdl 0-110 (E) gd in May.
Theocritus (GER) 20-1 (10-0) Held up in rear, headway approaching 4 out, joined winner 2 out, narrow lead last, headed and not quicken flat, 2nd of 13, 1l behind Itsmyboy (11-7) at Cheltenham 2m nov hcp hdl (B) gd in Oct.
