held up, headway 4f out, ridden 3f out, weakened 2f out
in touch, took closer order 4f out, ridden over 3f out, soon one pace
prominent, outpaced 2f out, edged left over 1f out, soon one pace
always towards rear, never a factor
with leader, led over 6f out, ridden and headed 2f out, one pace final furlong
led for over 1f, with leader, ridden to lead again 2f out, headed over 1f out, not quicken inside final furlong
held up in touch, ridden to lead over 1f out, ran on well
Perseverance is the name of the game with some of Mark Johnston's runners and, as such, The Bonus King is selected in preference to Ali Deo and Leaping Brave, who have the scope to figure strongly at this level. The Bonus King shaped as if he was returning to something like his best when getting going late at Ayr last time, the form of which was boosted with Sea Storm winning at the weekend. the step up in trip should not really be a problem for the son of Royal Applause in this company and, with heavy showers predicted in the morning, the rain looks to have come just in time for him to do himself justice. Ali Deo is a very lightly raced sort that has to be respected at this level. However, he faces his stiffest test to date and is opposed with The Bonus King today.
