Took keen hold, chased leaders, slow jump 1st, ridden and before 2 out, went second 2 out, led approaching last, hard pressed run-in, all out (trainer said, regarding apparent improvement in form, that the gelding is a big horse who has taken time and one who appears to be improving with every run) (op 100/1)
Led, joined 4th, headed after 6th, led again before 2 out, ridden and headed approaching last, battled back run-in, no extra final strides (tchd 5/1 and tchd 6/1)
Prominent, disputed lead 4th, led after 6th, ridden and headed before 2 out, lost second 2 out, outpaced approaching last, no match for first two (tchd 7/1)
Held up in rear, steady headway after 6th, went fourth going easily before 2 out, ridden and found little after 2 out, no impression when mistake and nearly lost jockey last, weakened run-in (vet said gelding lost his left fore shoe) (tchd 2/1)
Towards rear, headway 6th, going okay home turn, soon ridden and beaten, weakened quickly before 2 out (jockey said, regarding running and riding, that the gelding is historically a weak finisher and a horse that needs to be kept on the bridle for as long as possible. He added that this was the gelding's first run on ground this soft and therefore he kept out wide, tracking Pittsburg, in an attempt to try and conserve energy by racing on the fresher ground. Turning into the home straight he asked the gelding for an effort, who tired immediately, whereupon he felt it prudent to nurse the gelding home over the final two hurdles. He further stated that he felt the gelding was unsuited by the going, which was officially described as Soft (Heavy in Places), and this was confirmed over the telephone by Henry Oliver, who reported that the gelding would prefer a quicker surface) (op 33/1)
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