raced freely, led and set strong pace, narrowly headed just over 2f out, outpaced and went second final furlong but no impression
raced in 4th, off the pace, ridden to close 4f out, challenged 2f out, led over 1f out, ridden clear final furlong
slowly away, always last, lost touch final 4f, eased when no chance final 2f
chased leader, ridden to lead narrowly just over 2f out to over 1f out, no impression
chased leading pair, hard ridden 3f out, weakened inside final 2f
Only five runners but not that straightforward a race but we will side with Swainson over Soulacroix and Vinando. Vinando has something to prove following a his disappointing Newbury effort, but Swainson, who has already displayed some good battling qualities, is sure to be in the thick of the action. The handicapper seems to have got the bottom two about right, while Soulacroix looked progressive last year and we will find out more about him today. He could go well with his stable now in form but, for today, we will side with Swainson.