towards rear, ridden 3f out, no impression
mid-division, ridden and headway 3f out, chased leaders, every chance close home, no extra
mid-division, ridden 3f out, weakened over 1f out
slowly into stride, always in rear
tracked leaders, ridden to lead over 1f out, headed last stride, all out
tracked leaders, chased leader 3f out, weakened approaching 2f out
mid-division, one pace final 3f
led, set good pace, ridden over 2f out, headed 1f out, weakened close home
very slowly into stride, never a danger
towards rear, stayed on moderately from over 2f out
never better than mid-division
mid-division, ridden approaching 3f out, headway on inside over 2f out, not clear run and hampered 1f out, not recover
In a tricky claimer we'll take a chance on Espada, who gets the vote ahead of the likes of Mobo-Baco, Doctored, Go Green and Marnie. The selection is not the easiest to win with these days but he suggested at Brighton four days ago that a step up to a mile would bring about some improvement. The application of first-time blinkers might also cause him to step up and, given that he is well drawn, he might just be able to lead the field a merry dance. Course and distance winner Mobo-Baco fares quite well on official ratings and would have been given a stronger chance if drawn better, while Doctored comes here in very good heart, even though his recent wins have been gained in a Folkestone seller and an all-weather contest. Go Green actually ran well than her finishing position suggested at Chester last time and could improve for the drop in trip, while Marnie has won over today's course and distance but seems better on the all-weather. If official ratings are any guide, most of the others look to have a bit to find although Ziet d' Alsace wins in her turn. Overall, though, in a trappy race, the vote goes to Espada.