I also backed Talent – to win only at 14s – and think she was beaten fair and square. She’s obviously not an easy ride – doesn’t like to be surrounded by other horses especially early on in a race so think Crowley had no choice but to have her out the back. Talent looked the likely winner 3 out and although slightly impeded 2 out I got the feeling that the winner could have pulled out a bit more if needed late on.
Crowley certainly gave his mount plenty of ground to make up on rain softened ground.
However I agree that the winner (wears cheekpieces) appeared to be idling in front and could have pulled out more.