chased leaders, lost place over 4f out, soon ridden, rallied and stayed on to take 2nd near finish
keen, chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, edged left from over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong
tracked leader, ridden and led over 2f out, headed 1f out, weakened final furlong
led, clear over 8f out, ridden and headed over 2f out, still every chance over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong
dwelt, held up in rear, headway over 6f out, ridden 3f out, weakened 1f out
keen in touch, ridden and every chance from over 2f out, one pace inside final furlong
None of these are noted for consistency but, working on the assumption that Gerard Butler's luck has to change at some point, Compton Eclaire is selected before Salute Saint Cloud and Banningham Blaze in this modest affair. A mention also has to be given to Summer Cherry and Absinther, who are closely matched on bits and pieces of form and should again run their race. However, neither has ever been noted as a strong finisher and it may pay to look elsewhere for one that will still be in there pitching if this develops into a drive for the line. Which brings us back to Compton Eclaire, who left all recent form behind her when scrapping her way to victory at Warwick 9 days ago. The Lycius filly picks up a 6lb penalty for those exertions, which ordinarily would be enough to swing the attention elsewhere. However, this is a very weak contest that lacks strength-in-depth and if Compton Eclaire is ever going to cope with an extra burden, she will not get many easier opportunities than this. Banningham Blaze goes well here and is preferred over Salute Saint Cloud as the biggest danger as she has at least proved herself to have consistently got this trip in the past.
