held up behind leaders, effort when not much room over 2f out, switched left over 1f out, no extra final furlong
towards rear, headway over 2f out, stayed on final furlong
held up, smooth headway to lead over 1f out, ridden out final furlong
in touch, effort over 2f out, weakened final furlong
led, ridden when headed over 1f out, kept on same pace final furlong
tracked leader, ridden along over 2f out, weakened final furlong
held up in rear, headway on outer 2f out, one pace final furlong
A chance is taken with SRI KUANTAN, who gets a tentative nomination ahead of Gala Casino Star and Wind Star. A move for Rosbay would also be interesting, as he is better than he showed at York a fortnight ago and, as he has a good record of making the frame, Tim Easterby's charge can give each-way backers a good run for their money. Wind Star is in obvious good heart and merits a second look in the betting. He is only 4lb higher for a win at Newcastle 12 days ago and is a contender at this level. He has been placed off higher marks in the past, so has to merit respect here. Gala Casino Star is effective at this level and can usually be relied upon to run his race. Quite whether he is capable of giving weight away all round is open to question, though. Still, is going to be a long, hard season and this fellow is surely capable of paying his way again before too long. However, Sri Kuantan has found a new lease of life since the turn of the year and, as he likes to set a fair tempo in his races, the Rae Guest-trained gelding will be very hard to peg back if he is allowed an easy time of things from the front.
Gala Casino Star (IRE) 14-1 (8-4) Raced keenly, chased leaders, chased winner well over 1f out until entering final furlong, no extra final 100 yards, 4th of 12, 3 1/2l behind Cheshire Prince (8-4) at Chester 1m 2f hcp 0-100 (2) gf.
Rosbay (IRE) 13-2 (9-1) Tracked leaders, weakened over 2f out, 14th of 16, 24l behind Spring Jim (9-5) at York 1m 4f hcp 0-85 (4) gf.
Wind Star 7-2fav (9-4) Held up mid-division, headway and in touch 6f out, challenged going well 2f out, ridden to lead approaching final furlong, kept on, won at Newcastle 1m 2f hcp 0-80 (4) gf beating Harry The Hawk (8-9) by 1l, 10 ran.
Blue Spinnaker (IRE) 40-1 (9-0) Towards rear, never dangerous, 9th of 12, 11l behind Billy Dane (9-0) at Beverley 1m hcp 0-85 (4) gf.
Sri Kuantan (IRE) 4-1 (8-5) Led after 2f, ridden and headed over 1f out, lost 2nd inside final furlong, 3rd of 4, 4l behind Falcativ (9-4) at Yarmouth 1m 3f hcp 0-90 (3) gf.
Riley Boys (IRE) 25-1 (8-10) Dwelt and was always in rear, last of 12, 15l behind Billy Dane (9-0) at Beverley 1m hcp 0-85 (4) gf.
Man of Gwent (UAE) 5-1 (9-4) Held up in touch, ridden 3f out, no headway, weakened over 2f out, 7th of 10, 11l behind Eseej (8-7) at Wolverhampton 1m 4f hcp 0-75 (5) pol in Feb.
Tres Froide (FR) 50-1 (8-13) Always behind, 15th of 16, 44l behind Spring Jim (9-5) at York 1m 4f hcp 0-85 (4) gf.
