prominent, disputed lead 2f out, every chance final furlong, no extra towards finish
held up in touch, ridden and slightly outpaced 2f out, staying on and switched left inside final furlong, kept on
held up in touch, ridden and no headway over 1f out
behind early, chased leaders after 2f, headway wide over 1f out, stayed on strongly inside final furlong, led towards finish
with leader 2f, ridden and weakened quickly 2f out
held up, ridden 2f out, kept on final furlong, not trouble leaders
narrow leader, joined 2f out, stayed on well inside final furlong, caught close home
held up behind, headway wide over 1f out, ran on well inside final furlong, nearest finish
in touch 2f, ridden and weakened quickly over 2f out
With Kieren Fallon booked, Awake is fancied to land the spoils for David Nicholls, with Roses Of Spring a big danger, and the three-year-old Catmint another one to note. Awake showed some good form last season, his first with the sprint specialist, and was good enough to land a valuable handicap at The Curragh. After two runs this season, he should now be fighting fit and was never given much chance from his high draw at Chester last time, eventually finishing sixth to Damalis, with the well-handicapped but enigmatic Compton Banker behind. He handles any ground so more rain would do his chances no harm and although he has something to find on official ratings a return to his best would just about be good enough here. Roses Of Spring is suited by the conditions of this race and comes here in great heart, so is clearly the one to beat. She ran well enough when second under a seven pound penalty in a Lingfield handicap last time and must surely go close again here. Catmint has joined Nerys Duffield's stable from Henry Candy and was a progressive filly last season. She has bags of speed but may just need this first outing, particularly against these older and more experienced rivals.
