unseated rider and bolted before start, dwelt, chased leaders, weakened over 3f out
slowly into stride, raced in rear, headway over 2f out, ran on well final furlong
behind, ridden over 6f out, soon tailed off
swerved left start, keen and raced mid-division, headway 3f out, ridden 2f out, soon one pace
tracked leader, weakened over 3f out
dwelt, keen in touch, ridden and weakened over 2f out
with leaders, ridden over 2f out, soon weakened
slowly into stride, soon mid-division, ridden over 3f out, soon weakened
prominent and keen, led 3f out, pushed along 1f out, ran on well
slowly into stride, rear, headway over 1f out, kept on final furlong, nearest finish
started slowly, soon prominent, ridden over 3f out, soon one pace
held up rear, ridden and headway over 2f out, chased winner over 1f out, kept on well
led, ridden and headed 3f out, weakened 2f out
held up towards rear, ridden and headway 2f out, weakened inside final furlong
held up mid-division, ridden and weakened 2f out
prominent for 5f
A high draw is usually an advantage on the straight course here so everything looks to be in place for Magic Merlin to build on his promising debut; possibly at the main expense of Ridge Boy and Blaina, who set a modest standard for the rest. Minority Report is an interesting newcomer to monitor for signs of support when the betting opens as he has not been over faced for his racecourse introduction. However, the likelihood is that he will need the experience and he is best watched today. The same comments apply to Ink In Gold, whose yard are returning to form after a lean spell and he can be placed to good effect if he shows up well this afternoon. However, the main danger to the selection may come from Ridge Boy, who should leave his debut run behind him in time. However, Magic Merlin has a good home reputation and has been very well drawn today. Brett Doyle has been a profitable jockey to follow on his rare visits to Chepstow and has the ideal mount to land the lion's share of the prize-money if Magic Merlin delivers on his promise this time around.