tracked leaders, lost place 3rd, mistake 7th, soon lost touch
held up and not fluent, lost touch 7th, poor 4th when refused 2 out
in touch, ridden to chase winner 4 out, hit 2 out, lost 2nd last, kept on flat
tracked leader to 4 out, soon outpaced, rallied to go 2nd last, no chance with winner
made all, ridden clear 2 out, eased flat
This is likely to feel more like a three-mile-plus test of resilience on this ground, so, with that in mind, the vote goes to Ebony Light, who gets the nod over Ballinclay King and the in-form Hope Sound, who is respected but faces no easy task off a 5lb higher mark than for his comfortable win in a weak beginners chase on New Year's Eve. Broadbrook Lass is also in with a shout of going close if she is in the mood, as her jockey takes a handy 5lb off her back with his claim and, with conditions in her favour, she is no forlorn hope to exploit any weaknesses that might appear from the rest. However, Ginger McCain has enjoyed a profitable spell since the start of the season and has kept Ebony Light ticking over with a series of good efforts. The Nine-year-old loves a test of his stamina and, as a previous course winner, Ebony Light has more in his favour than most as he bids to make the most of an attractive looking mark.
