unruly start, mid-division, ridden 2f out, never able to challenge
raced keenly in touch, lost place 3f out, soon behind
chased leaders, headway over 2f out, soon ridden, stayed on same pace under pressure final furlong, no impression on 1st 2
slowly into stride, always towards rear
close up, challenged 2f out, led well over 1f out, soon ridden, kept on under pressure
led until headed well over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong
mid-division, not much room after 1f, outpaced 3f out, ridden and headway over 2f out, stayed on under pressure to chase winner approaching final furlong, no impression
never better than mid-division
chased leaders, lost place over 3f out, soon ridden, kept on final 2f, never on terms
chased leaders, ridden 2f out, kept on inside final furlong, never troubled leaders
behind, ridden and some headway on outside from over 2f out, never nearer
Tap has won his last two starts in handicaps but, along with Smith N Allan Oils, may find this company too exacting and preference is for Sir Don. The selection is well treated on official BHB ratings and, provided that the ground remains on the fast side, should be well suited by the return to seven furlongs. Tap has done nothing wrong this term but faces a stiff task at the weights, as does Smith N Allan Oils, and a bigger threat may come from College Maid. Jim Goldie has his string in good form at present and the daughter of College Chapel showed that seven furlongs holds no fears for her when landing a handicap over this trip at Ayr last month. She rates a bigger danger than Richard Fahey's No Grouse who has given little sign of encouragement this term. A market move for Dragon Prince would be of interest, while the Alan Jarvis-trained Effective has claims on his best form but has yet to prove that he stays this far. The vote then goes to Sir Don form the stable of David Nicholls and he is taken to resume winning ways.
