slowly away, held up in distant last, still plenty to do 2f out, smooth headway over 1f out, led final 100yds, ridden clear
pulled hard in distant 5th, went 3rd and well off the pace halfway, weakened over 2f out
chased clear leader and well clear of rest, weakened over 2f out
raced in distant 3rd to halfway, kept on final 2f
held up, headway 2f out, chased leader over 1f out, stayed on to take 2nd inside final furlong
led and soon well clear, came back to field over 1f out, headed and no extra and headed final 100yds
This appears to be a good opportunity for Chocolate Boy to boost his profile and he is preferred over Banningham Blaze and the frustrating Margery Daw, who can scrap it out as the best of the rest today. Connections of Golden Boot will no doubt argue that point as their charge has a string of solid efforts to his name in slightly better company and he is entitled to be thereabouts. However, the fact that he continually finds a few too good is very off-putting; even in this company. He does however, have the headgear back on today and it will be dangerous to rule him out of making his first visit to a winners enclosure for the best part of three years if all goes well for him this afternoon. However, Chocolate Boy, who meets Banningham Blaze on much more favourable terms here, has been holding his form well this season and, with his rider taking 5lb off with her claim, he will not have any excuses in defeat today. The course and distance hold no fears for Chocolate Boy and a bold bid is anticipated.
