in touch, challenged on bit 2f out, led over 1f out, drew clear final furlong
started slowly and always behind
held up, effort on wide outside over 2f out, stayed on same pace
prominent, weakened and behind final 2f
slowly into stride and behind, hard ridden and effort when not clear run over 1f out, no danger after
in mid-division, kept on same pace from over 1f out, never dangerous
keen hold in touch, behind final 2f
held up in mid-division, weakened 2f out
led early, stayed prominent until weakened over 4f out
close up until weakened and behind final 2f
soon led, clear 4f out, headed over 1f out, soon outpaced by winner
mid-division, hard ridden over 2f out, kept on under pressure, never able to challenge
keen hold in touch, weakened and behind final 2f
in mid-division, effort on outside over 2f out, no extra from over 1f out
dwelt and always behind
A dire contest with last years winning stable represented by the enigmatic A Vendre, who isn't out of this despite his reluctance to put his head in front. He, along with another disappointing maiden High Diva, and Absolute Utopia look the most likely winners. A Vendre has been hurdling, without success and looked totally out of love with that game, even at this lowly level. The last time he raced on firm ground on the level was when he finished third to Luxor at Nottingham, off a mark of 60. A reproduction of that would be more than good enough here and he is a rather tentative choice. At least Absolute Utopia knows how to win and may be the one to take advantage if the selection fails to deliver. Dropped into this grade for the first time clearly suited High Diva and better may be seen of her over this longer trip.
