always towards rear
towards rear, mistake 12th, ridden and headway 4 out, stayed on one paced
led 2nd to 3rd, remained close up, ridden and lost place 9th, hit 11th and 12th, behind when pulled up before 15th
tracked leaders, lost place 10th, soon behind
led 1st, soon held up in touch, progress to track leader 8th, led approaching 15th, ridden out
led after 3rd until headed approaching 15th, ridden and weakened 3 out
held up, headway 8th, chased winner 3 out, weakened next
held up, headway 9th, chased winner 2 out, one paced flat
With Paul Webber's horses running better now than at any other time during the season Phildari has claims in this three-mile beginner's chase. The son of Shardari showed useful form over hurdles, without actually losing his maiden tag, and should have learnt from his chasing debut at Leicester last month. Former point-to-pointer Looks Like Value and Lord Warford, a winner over hurdles at Newton Abbot three years ago when trained by Venetia Williams, are others to consider but this should go to Kick For Touch. Henrietta Knight's gelding has shown progressive form, running his best race so far when beaten five lengths by Iris Royal in a match at Doncaster last month. While flattered by his proximity to the winner that day, this represents a big drop in class for the son of Insan, who is a confident selection.
