prominent until weakened 4 out
prominent early, lost place after 6th, behind 12th, pulled up before 13th
took keen hold in touch, led briefly 12th, soon headed, stayed prominent, weakened after 3 out
held up, headway to chase winner 4 out, challenged 2 out, weakened before last
held up, blundered 6th, lost place after 13th, pulled up before 4 out
with leader, blundered badly 9th, ridden after 3 out, weakened 2 out
led, headed briefly 12th, led again before 13th, pressed 2 out, in command approaching last
held up behind, never dangerous after 13th
Grumpy Stumpy comes here in good form having won his last two starts but the Nigel Twiston-Davies-trained gelding has gone up 9lbs for his latest success at Newbury and preference is for Hope Sound, who gets the vote over Kew Jumper. The selection is unexposed over fences and, at the age of five, is open to plenty of improvement. Brian Ellison's gelding could not have won more convincingly at Sedgefield last time and looks potentially well treated on a mark of 113 for his debut in a handicap. Kew Jumper races off the same mark as when chasing home Colliers Court at Ludlow but, along with recent Leicester winner Uncle Wallace, is not certain today's longer trip. Bak To Bill has been a consistent performer this term and should again be thereabouts but may be a shade high in the weights, while Lodestar needs to improve on recent form to trouble the judge. Ferdy Murphy's horses continue in good form so Granite Steps is another worthy of a mention but the vote goes to Hope Sound, who is taken to follow up his Sedgefield success.
