tracked leader, weakened after 6th, soon beaten
prominent, ridden 3 out, weakened before 2 out
towards rear, headway 3 out, chased winner before last, always held run-in
never better than mid-division
mistakes, close up, effort 2 out, ridden and weakened before last
always behind, no chance and weakened before 3 out, pulled up before 2 out
prominent, mistake 6th, chased leaders 3 out, hit 2 out, weakened
held up, mistake 6th, chased leaders before 2 out, soon ridden and one pace after
in touch until weakened after 3 out
held up mid-division, mistake 4th, weakened after 3 out
led until headed before 2 out, weakened rapidly, tailed off
behind, under pressure 3 out, stayed on, not trouble leaders
behind, headway 2 out to chase leaders, stayed on but not able to challenge
behind, headway to chase leaders before 2 out, no extra and weakened before last
held up, ridden after 4th, weakened quickly 3 out
held up, headway after 3 out, led 2 out, stayed on strongly
always behind
held up in touch, ridden and lost place 5th, soon weakened
held up, headway and in touch after 6th, weakened before 2 out
behind, headway before 2 out, stayed on steadily, nearest finish
Probably not the strongest renewal of the Lanzarote but an interesting race nonetheless, and one in which we will opt for Mr President from a shortlist that also contained Royal Hector, Chockdee, Without A Doubt, Goblet Of Fire, Brooklyn's Gold, McBain and, possibly, Nathos. The Martin Pipe-trained Royal Hector, who has won his last five races, still has every right to be respected here, despite the fact that he is now 34 pounds higher in the ratings than for the first of those victories. There are a number of horses coming into this race from decent novice hurdles, including Mr President, Chockdee and Without A Doubt, the last two being very closely weighted Without A Doubt on novice form. Paul Nicholls, who is responsible for Chockdee, who can be an awkward ride, also runs Goblet Of Fire, who is closely weighted with Sharp Rigging based on recent Windsor form. In that race, Venetia Williams saddled the runner-up, Thesis, and she must have a good idea as to how good Mr President is in relation to that horse. Given that she would have had a number of options with Mr President, the fact that she runs him here leads us to side with him. McBain, who ran well for a long way in the William Hill Handicap Hurdle, could fare event better over this level two miles, and is fancied to go well. Of the others, Nathos is the type that could go well from his current mark, while Brooklyns Gold now races from the mark from which he won over course and distance in February 2003, a race in which he beat none other than Rigmarole. However, we will stay with Mr President in this valuable contest.
