tracked clear leader, effort and not quicken over 1f out, kept on under pressure to take 2nd last 100 yards, no chance with winner
raced in 3rd, effort to lead well over 1f out, soon quickened clear, comfortably
pulled hard in rear, effort to challenge entering final furlong, found little under pressure, lost 2nd last 100 yards, broke blood vessel
led, soon well clear, headed well over 1f out, weakened quickly
In a race where none of the runners can be ruled out with confidence, High Diving is just preferred. Barry Hills' colt has not looked the most straightforward of rides, hanging badly on his second juvenile start and again carrying his head awkwardly at Thirsk on his reappearance, when second to the smart Annambo. However, he has certainly shown enough to find a race, and Richard Hughes is a master with this type of horse so may just get the best out of him here. Albanov really appreciated the step up to a mile and a half for his reappearance when third at Salisbury, and is one to consider on that form, although John Dunlop's colt gives the impression he would be even better over another couple of furlongs and a tactical affair would not suit him here. Dalaram was, on the face of it, somewhat disappointing on his reappearance in a competitive York handicap, but Sir Michael Stoute's charge had some encouraging form as a juvenile and cannot be ruled out if learning to settle better. Fanatstico, the only filly in the race, was also well beaten in handicap company on her reappearance but also had some fair form last year and is not merely making up the numbers.
