CHAMPIONSHIP-chasing David Hill, who invariably comes strong at the end of the season, can finish tonight's meeting on a high note with the consistent Winged Foot in the last. Regular jockey Basil Marcus partners the seven-year-old who, while winless this season, has finished no further back than fourth place from five starts. Winged Foot was most unfortunate to run into Happy Money and Derby winner Helene Star first up over tonight's course and distance, but ran on fairly well to claim third spot. At his last attempt, he found Jacko a shade too good on the day and had to settle for second. A win appears to be beckoning for Winged Foot, but first he may have to fend off a strong challenge from two horses who gave him a good tussle last season over course and distance on separate occasions. Clear Classic, trained by Neville Begg and ridden by Robert Thompson defeated Winged Foot by a head in the first of these encounters. Clear Classic has been working a treat leading up to this race and has an extra pound advantage from Winged Foot, which may suggest he can get his head in front again. But it is worth noting that the Begg-trained horse is coming back after a significant lay-off and a more pertinent point to note is that Winged Foot was badly hampered going round the home bend last time they met and lost considerable ground. That the winning margin was a mere head is enough to suggest that Winged Foot can gain his revenge. He also re-opposes Flying Supreme whom he defeated at about the same stage of the season last year. Winged Foot came from just off the pace of that occasion to pass Flying Supreme near the line and win by a long neck. Flying Supreme comes into this race five pounds better, but this will be his first start of the season and although he did win first up last season, Winged Foot will have the edge in the fitness department. Lawrie Fownes, like David Hill chasing a championship dream, saddles up Gold Venture. But he may not be suited by the drop back in distance.
