made all, led steady pace, pushed along over 2f out, quickened over 1f out, kept on well final furlong
behind, effort over 2f out,outpaced final 2f
held up behind leader, ridden and not quickened over 1f out, stayed on same pace
behind, switched left over 1f out, ridden and stayed on same pace
First Order looked an improving colt when winning at Ripon last month and is taken to follow up with Nights Cross looking the only serious danger. The selection stepped up on his debut effort when, despite running green, he cosily overcame four more experienced rivals to win that Ripon event. With more to come, it will be surprise if he cannot win again. Ali's Oasis, a winner at Musselburgh on his debut, struggled under a penalty on his only subsequent start on a softer surface at Newcastle and is likely to do so again. Obe Bold has just a Redcar auction race success to her name from four starts and, on breeding, is far from certain to handle the more testing conditions today. Nights Cross has run well in better company than this and has to be respected but has to give weight away all round and may not handle the ground so First Order, who should have no problems on that score, gets the vote.