keen tracking leaders, ridden to chase leaders 2f out, hung left final furlong, rallied close home
in touch and keen, edged left to lead over 2f out, ridden and hanging left when headed line
towards rear, switched right to outside over 2f out, ridden and no impression
in touch, effort approaching final furlong, one pace
slowly into stride, always in rear
in touch, headway over 2f out, ridden to chase leaders soon after, all out to lead line
in touch, weakened 3f out
led, hampered and headed over 2f out, weakened approaching final furlong
in touch, ridden and weakened over 1f out
mid-division, closer order over 3f out on inside, ridden to chase leaders 2f out and not much room, slightly hampered again when weakening inside final furlong
in touch, ridden and weakened 2f out
A relatively poor looking handicap that is tricky but can be made easier by concentrating on Jasmine Pearl, Brandywine Bay and Growler with the vote going to the last named. The John Dunlop trained gelding has proven himself around Brighton's undulating conditions and ran well to finish third in a Class E affair which was arguably better than today's race. Although he was well beaten last time out this looks easier and is one to stay on the right side of. Jasmine Pearl ran well three starts ago when finishing second at 50/1 to Firework in a claimer around Folkestone. Since then he has found things tough but this drop down in grade can see him run well once again. Brandywine Bay has run well in banded races to suggest he has the ability to win an ordinary race like this. Whether it is today or not remains to be seen, but his trainer Alan Jones has done well since his move down to the west country and any market moves may prove significant. But for the winner we return to Growler.