always behind, tailed off when pulled up before 3 out
in touch, headway to track leaders 8th, ridden and every chance 3 out, weakened next
always towards rear, tailed off 9th, pulled up before 4 out
held up, headway to chase leaders 8th, weakened 4 out
led to 2nd, weakened from 9th, pulled up before 2 out
led 2nd, headed after 4 out, weakened approaching next
jumped slow in rear, pulled up after 7th
chased leaders, hit 5th, ridden 4 out, soon led, driven out
held up, headway 8th to chase leaders, outpaced from 4 out
struggling from 9th
Sue Smith is a trainer to note with her summer jumpers and Bushido can carry the torch for the West Yorkshire-based handler here. Touch Closer and The Glen are interesting contenders at this level, while Nopekan makes some appeal at the likely prices if his 7lb claimer can get the best out of him. Richie Spate has got on well with Nopekan on three occasions this term and the partnership could be good value for a place in this company. The Glen was brought down by the selection when he fell at Southwell in May. He had jumped adequately until then and he deserves another chance to prove himself. He has to be considered as a threat. As does Touch Closer, who makes his debut for the in-form Peter Bowen today. The eight-year-old was highly tried over hurdles last season and struggled as a result. This is more his level for his second start over fences and he is respected accordingly. However, Bushido was going like the winner when he suffered a laps in concentration last time and he is fancied to redeem himself with a clear round today.
