raced centre course, held up, not clear run in final 2f, never dangerous after
held up in rear, good headway over 1f out, strong run final furlong to force dead heat on post
raced centre, held up in rear, never nearer
prominent centre until weakened over 1f out
raced against near side rail, led, ridden and kept on well final furlong, joint post
raced centre course, speed to halfway
raced centre course, with leaders to halfway, soon weakened
held up, headway 2f out, stayed on final furlong, not pace of first two
held up, hampered approaching 2f out, kept on inside final furlong, never reached leaders
held up, headway 2f out, ridden and kept on same pace final furlong
held up, staying on when hampered over 1f out, never dangerous after
slowly into stride, always behind
rear, staying on when not clear run well over 1f out, kept on final furlong, never reached leaders
prominent centre course, one pace under pressure final furlong
chased leaders centre course, weakened final furlong
chased leaders centre course, ridden and not much room over 1f out, kept on one pace final furlong
prominent to halfway, soon behind
raced centre course, hampered after start, held up in rear, kept on final furlong, no danger
with leaders, ridden 2f out, weakened final furlong
A high draw proved to be a distinct advantage in races over the straight course at the last meeting here so it may pay to concentrate on those drawn on the far side with Baltic King getting the verdict over Smart Hostess and Viewforth. The selection was an impressive winner of a similar contest over course and distance last month and has an obvious chance off his new mark. Speed Cop (fourth), My American Beauty (sixth) and Connect (10th) are all held on running that day and a bigger threat may come from John Quinn's Smart Hostess, who has shown improved form since dropped to sprint distances in her last two starts. However, this is tougher and she may now be in the grip of the handicapper. A low draw is a negative as well and better berthed are Salviati and Viewforth. The former finished second behind the selection here last time and has to be respected on 7lb better terms today from stall 20, while Viewforth (stall 14) ran well despite the softening ground at Haydock last time and has the assistance of Kieren Fallon in the saddle. However, Baltic King is in great heart at present and is difficult to oppose from his favourable draw.