led after 1f, ridden over 2f out, all out when headed final strides
held up towards rear, short lived effort to chase leaders over 3f out, weakened quickly
led for 1f, stayed prominent, ridden over 2f out, weakened
in touch, ridden to chase leader 2f out, kept on to lead final strides
tracked leaders and keen hold, ridden over 2f out, kept on one pace
held up in touch, ridden 3f out, stayed on final furlong, not reach leaders
Todlea traveled comfortably for a long way in an amateur event over 12 furlongs last time before dead-heating for second place, and can go one better today over this shorter trip, with Traveller's Tale seen as the biggest danger. The selection has longsince suggested that he is up to winning from his current mark and, with man-of-the-moment Frankie Dettori in the plate, he can start repaying that faith. It has taken the handicapper a while to relent with Traveller's Tale, who is now rated two-pounds lower than when scoring at Epsom two years ago. He prefers today's trip than the 12 furlongs he has faced on each of his last two runs and can be seen in a better light now. Winning hurdler Celtic Star is now rated five pounds higher than for his 12-furlong Chepstow success last summer but, despite stripping fitter for his seasonal return, and the fact that his rider takes three pounds off his back, he probably still has a couple or three pounds to find on what we know. Rebate is now rated 11lbs lower than for his Goodwood win last June but recent form suggests that his handicap mark is about right. Ember Days has also won from a higher mark, but that was over a mile on soft going two years ago. First-time blinkers will have to bring about a lot of improvement for Maria Bonita to feature, and Oktis Morilious, while he ran well here last time over course and distance, is lowly rated and races from seven pounds out of the handicap. Once again, then, the wheel spins back to Frankie Dettori and the selection, Todlea.
