with leader, led 4f out, ridden over 1f out, headed inside final furlong, kept on, not pace of winner
mid-division, lost place over 2f out, weakened and eased approaching final furlong
chased leaders, ridden 2f out, stayed on to lead inside final furlong, ran on, readily
chased leaders, ridden 2f out, weakened inside final furlong
in touch, ridden over 1f out, no impression final furlong
mid-division, ridden over 1f out, kept on, never near to challenge
slowly into stride, towards rear, headway 3f out, ridden over 1f out, kept on final furlong, never nearer
chased leaders, ridden over 1f out, kept on same pace final furlong
towards rear, never dangerous
led, headed 4f out, ridden 2f out, kept on under pressure final furlong, no impression
chased leaders, ridden 2f out, soon weakened
towards rear, never a factor
There aren't many of these with proven form on softer ground and we will take a chance on Zhitomir, with Iphigenia, Jubilee Street and Nemo Fugat all potential threats. The selection has gone up 3lb for a selling win last time out and admittedly does not have a particularly good record in these sort of handicaps to draw upon. Nevertheless, the ground could be a big problem to some of these, and as one who will not be inconvenienced by conditions and with at least some confidence under his belt, he might be good enough to score over a trip that suits well. Iphigenia will perhaps be all the rage after her five length win at Folkestone last time. Lisa Jones again partners the filly, and although she appears to have a great chance she has never run on this sort of ground before and it can be a great leveller, so we will take that chance to oppose her. Nemo Fugat is in fair form at both this trip and six furlongs, but his record suggests that conditions are against him today, while recent course and distance winner Jubilee Street is another on that short list whose best form is on fast ground, and who has plenty to prove on this surface. All things considered we think it's worth chancing Zhitomir to small stakes.