led , ridden over 2f out, headed over 1f out, soon weakened
held up behind, ridden over 4f out, never a factor
held up in rear, ridden over 2f out, kept on same pace final 2f
held up mid-division, ridden over 3f out, soon weakened
slowly away, mid-division, ridden over 2f out, led over 1f out, kept on and headed close home
tracked leader, ridden over 3f out, weakend final furlong
towards rear, ridden over 2f out, kept on and no impression final 2f
tracked leaders, ridden over 2f out, no extra inside final furlong
held up behind, ridden over 2f out, stayed on well on outer final 2f, nearest at finish
mid-division, ridden and headway over 2f out, ran on well to lead close home
tracked leaders, ridden over 3f out, weakened over 1f out
chased leaders, ridden over 3f out, soon lost place
Although he arrives here at the top of his game, Mr Lear is now set to race off a career highest mark and will need to really be on his metal to carry top weight to victory today. Therefore, a chance is taken with Blackthorn, who goes very well here and the Richard Fahey-trained gelding is preferred over Red River Rebel, Cheeky Girl and Golden Boot. The selection is effective under the predicted conditions and, as a previous course and distance winner from just a 4lb lower mark, he holds solid claims of making an impact in this company. His rider takes a handy 7lb off his back and all looks set for another bold show. The ultra consistent Red River Rebel could give the selection the most to think about and will also be hard to keep out of the frame if he is on song. However, Blackthorn has too much in his favour regarding the draw, ground and course to ignore his chance today.