held up, not jumped fluent, headway 11th, ridden next, soon beaten
led, headed briefly 14th, soon led again, headed 3 out, weakened
held up in touch, headway 11, led 3 out, clear approaching next, blundered last, easily
tracked leader, led briefly 14th, soon headed, one pace from 3 out
held up, headway 11th, ridden 15th, mistake 3 out, weakened next
A poor contest and what can only be a tentative choice goes to Manolito, who gets the vote over Golden Rod and Pangeran. The last mentioned is only moderate but ran well enough over course and distance last time to be given a chance off his lightweight. At the top end of the handicap, Golden Rod has been given a chance at the weights but lacks the recent good form of the selection. Manolito fulfilled earlier promise this season when winning at Market Rasen in June and may not have appreciated the slightly softer conditions at Worcester the following month. An absence since may not be a problem as the nine-year-old has gone well when fresh in the past and, in a race as poor as this, he looks the percentage call. Salford has slipped to an attractive mark and has claims on his best, while Moody Blues seems only moderate so far. Not a race to get excited about then but Manolito looks the best choice.
