led, ridden and headed approaching 2 out, soon weakened
in touch, ridden approaching 6th, soon lost place, behind
tracked leaders, ridden 6th, kept on to take 2nd approaching last, no chance with winner
held up, ridden when mistake 7th, soon weakened, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
held up, ridden approaching 3 out, soon weakened, tailed off and pulled up before 2 out
tracked leaders, reminders approaching 6th, weakening when mistake 3 out
prominent, ridden approaching 7th, weakened 3 out
held up, headway after 6th, led and clear when jumped left 2 out, eased flat
Keen To The Last may be up to defying a long absence against some none to inspiring opposition including Andrew Doble and Blackchurch Mist. Sue Smith's 11 year-old was last seen in action at Kelso in May last year when a beaten favourite over fences. Prior to that he had posted victories at Sedgefield and Southwell, and if retaining a portion of that ability, can make up for lost time here. He will no doubt be put back over the bigger obstacles soon if passing this test against younger opponents such as Andrew Doble and Blackchurch Mist. The latter has topweight so may struggle a bit but the four-year-old Andrew Doble has yet to reach his peak. A winner on the Flat for Michael Jarvis, his sole victory over timber so far came on soft ground at Fakenham and if there was to be a deluge of rain, Venetia Williams' charge would not be out of it. Red Canyon and Joshua's Bay have minor claims but if Keen To The Last is anywhere near fit, he can return with a bang.
