mid-division, ridden over 3f out, soon weakened
in touch to halfway, soon weakened
prominent for 2f
always towards rear
in touch, ridden and headway 2f out, one pace final furlong
always towards rear
mid-division to halfway, soon weakened
held up rear, headway 2f out to be nearest finish
mid-division until ridden and weakened over 2f out
prominent until ridden and weakened 2f out
always prominent, chasing leaders, ridden over 1f out, same pace final furlong
mid-division, ridden over 1f out, soon one pace
always towards rear, never better than mid-division
always behind, tailed off
made about all, ridden 1f out, kept on well final furlong
held up towards rear, effort over 2f out, soon one pace
always prominent, chased winner from 3f out, every chance inside final furlong, weakened close home
in touch, ridden 2f out, one pace final furlong
in touch, ridden and one pace final furlong
A very competitive handicap to start the card and we will give a tentative vote to Zimbali, with Penang Sapphire and Campeon put forward as the main rivals. Milton Bradley's eight-year-old didn't do too badly in a couple of races on the all-weather this winter, but did much better when back on the turf at Nottingham last month. He was on the unfavoured stands side and finished just two lengths behind Angelofthenorth. The form has been franked on numerous occasions and he looks certain to go close off today's mark. Stable companion Campeon hit winning form last time, beating Cree in game fashion at Bath. The six pound penalty may stop him following up today, but he should still be involved in the finish. Penang Sapphire also got the better of Cree on heavy ground back in November, he doesn't look badly treated today and anymore rain will help his cause. Milton's third entry Gavioli can also be given a squeak on his best form, but on this occasion we prefer his stablemate Zimbali.
Campeon (IRE) 10-1 Held up good headway 2f out, soon led, pushed along and held on well final furlong, won at Bath 5f 3yo hcp gs in Apr beating Cree by a nk, 9 ran.
Ellens Princess (IRE) 8-1 Held up, headway over 1f out, ran on inside final furlong, 3rd of 11, 3l behind Bird Over at W'hampton 7f 3yo hcp pol in Apr.
Penang Sapphire 3-1 Chased leaders far side, kept on final furlong, 3rd of 6, 2l behind Tartatartufata at Catterick 5f 3yo hcp sft in Apr.
Mabella (IRE) 16-1 Held up, never dangerous, 8th of 16, 16l behind Goose Chase at Nottingham 1m 3yo hcp gs in Apr.
Zimbali 33-1 Chased leader stand side, stayed on inside final furlong, 4th of 16, 2 1/2l behind Angelofthenorth at Nottingham 5f 3yo fll hcp gs in Apr.
Ruman (IRE) 40-1 Switched right and behind, headway 2f out, soon ridden, kept on same pace, 6th of 15, 7l behind Drum Dance at Thirsk 6f mdn aut stk sft in Apr.
Phantom Song (IRE) 12-1 Keen, in touch, short of room and hampered 2f out, soon ridden, stayed on inside final furlong, 5th of 12, 5l behind Depressed at Lingfield 6f 3yo hcp pol in Apr.
Robmantra 20-1 Prominent on outside, ridden and kept on under pressure inside final furlong, 4th of 9, 1l behind Campeon at Bath 5f 3yo hcp gs in Apr.
