led, ridden over 1f out, headed final furlong, one pace
held up, effort 2f out, ridden and one pace final furlong
mid-division, effort halfway, never near to challenge
pushed along mid-division, outpaced final 2f
tracked leader, ridden to lead final furlong, ran on well
mid-division, effort halfway, weakened final furlong
chased leaders, pushed along over 2f out, ridden and no extra final furlong
never dangerous
Assuming that Bishops Court has fully shrugged off the effects of the pelvic injury he sustained last year, he will go very close to getting his season off to a flyer here. He is as tough as they come and his cruising speed is near legendary. He meets Kier Park on similar terms to when finishing a length-and-a-quarter in front of him in the Nunthorpe Stakes last year and will be very hard to beat if he can run up that level. However, another concern is that the firm ground and stiff uphill finish may take a lot out of him on his seasonal debut and a cautious stance is advisable. The betting ring may be the best indication to his chance. Firm ground is also a concern for Kier Park, who has also had injury problems in the past (split a pastern in 2000), but he is in good form at present and is likely to take all the beating. Borders carries a 3lb penalty for winning this race last year and faces a much stiffer task this time around.