in touch, ridden over 2f out, weakened inside final furlong
tracked leaders, ridden over 2f out, soon switched right, kept on to lead close home
always towards rear
mid-division, ridden over 3f out, kept on inside final furlong
mid-division, ridden over 3f out, no impression
tracked leaders, ridden over 3f out, headway to lead over 2f out, kept on until headed inside final furlong
in touch, ridden over 3f out, weakened over 1f out
mid-division, ridden over 3f out, soon weakened
led, ridden 3f out, headed over 2f out, soon weakened
tracked leader, ridden over 3f out, gradually weakened over 1f out
towards rear, ridden over 3f out, kept on one pace
mid-division, ridden over 3f out, weakened over 1f out
tracked leaders, ridden over 3f out, weakened 2f out
The two recent winners, Bailieborough and Pertemps Magus can fight out the finish with preference for the latter in the finale. There is quite a large turnout here but most can be discounted as either out of form or not certain to go on the ground and the two at the top of the weights make most appeal. Bailieborough has been in fine form of late, winning three of his last five starts, including over the course and distance last time. Although that was in claiming company, his shrewd trainer is sure to have left a bit more in the tank, so his welter burden is not off-putting in the least. However, we just fancy that Pertemps Magus will have his measure after scoring readily at Catterick last week. A six-pound penalty does not seem harsh in the light of that achievement, and with the stable in form as well, he gets the vote. Stormville ran his best race for some time when a close second at Newcastle. He will like the ground as well and might sneak a place. Zhitomir has winning form but looks held by Pertemps Magus on Catterick form, and it is the latter that is the one to be on.