slowly into stride, behind, headway over 2f out, stayed on well final furlong, went 2nd towards finish, not reached winner
chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, led 2f out, all out
mid-division, ridden over 2f out, never dangerous
tracked leaders, ridden over 4f out, weakened 3f out
mid-division, ridden over 2f out, soon outpaced
led, ridden and headed 2f out, hampered just inside final furlong, no extra
held up and keen, weakened over 2f out
tracked leaders, ridden over 4f out, weakening when hampered over 3f out
with leader, soon tracking leaders, ridden 3f out, soon weakened
held up, stayed on from over 2f out, never on terms
held up behind, stayed on 3f out, never dangerous
First Avenue is the pick to land this 1m 4f handicap where the main dangers appear to be Ainama and Altitude. The selection has shown himself to potentially be a high class handicapper in the making as he stepped up from ten to twelve furlongs. Held-up to get the trip on his first attempt at twelve furlongs, differing tactics were applied last time when he attempted to make all the running at Windsor. He looked the likely winner for most of the journey and while some may be quick to pick holes in the form with the rank outsider Howdigo winning it, John Best's charge ran a big race in a heritage handicap at Goodwood subsequently. Ainama racked up a sequence of victories last summer before a combination of that busy schedule and a rise in the ratings had an effect. A change of tactics seemed to work the oracle but he has shot back up the ratings and judging on how he struggled following last seasons haule of victories, it is possible that may happen again. Altitude is bred in the purple but does not look to have acquired the class of some in her bloodlines. She did not look the most straight-forward at Catterick last time and while the drop back in trip is likely to suit, she will not get her own way in front today. Dzesmin and course specialist Prelude, who looks handicapped to the hilt are others that deserve some consideration but First Avenue is the selection.
Ainama (IRE) 20-1 (9-0) Close up, pushed along 4f out, chased leader over 2f out, wore down leader to lead near finish, won at Newmarket 1m 4f hcp 0-85 (4) gd beating Invasian (9-9) by 1/2l, 8 ran.
Dzesmin (POL) 5-2fav (9-7) Towards rear, ridden 3f out, headway 2f out, soon one pace, 5th of 9, 4 1/2l behind Channel Crossing (8-6) at Leicester 1m 4f hcp 0-80 (4) gf in Jul.
She's Our Lass (IRE) 20-1 (9-5) Held up in rear, ridden and headway 3f out, weakened over 1f out, 5th of 10, 20l behind Ascalon (9-11) at Newmarket 1m 4f hcp 0-85 (4) gd.
Command Marshal (FR) 20-1 (9-2) Awkward start, rider lost iron, swerved left and pulled up in race won by Lady Dedlock (8-13) at Newmarket 2m hcp 0-90 (3) gs, 8 ran.
Leslingtaylor (IRE) 14-1 (8-13) Always rear division, 9th of 15, 8l behind Night Hour (10-0) at Pontefract 1m 4f hcp 0-90 (3) gd.
First Avenue 7-4fav (9-5) Led, driven over 1f out, headed and not pace of winner close home, 2nd of 11, 1/2l behind Howdigo (8-13) at Windsor 1m 4f 3yo hcp (4) gd in Jul.
Prelude 5-1fav (9-4) Chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 6th of 11, 10l behind Cheshire Prince (9-2) at Chester 1m 4f hcp 0-85 (4) gd.
Altitude 7-2 (9-0) Led, ridden over 3f out, headed 1f out, no extra close home, 2nd of 5, 2l behind Casual Affair (9-6) at Catterick 1m 6f hcp 0-85 (4) gf.
Colorado Blue (IRE) 20-1 (8-9) Chased leaders, pushed along 3f out, weakened over 2f out, last of 5, 19l behind Australia Day (9-7) at Sandown 1m 2f hcp 0-90 (3) gf in Jul.
Overrule (USA) 4-1 (9-8) Raced far side, always behind, 8th of 10, 19l behind Carlitos Spirit (9-13) at Newmarket 1m hcp 0-80 (4) gf.
Compton Dragon (USA) 20-1 (9-12) Slowly into stride, always towards rear, 9th of 13, 7l behind Thorny Mandate (9-7) at Chester 1m 4f ldy rds hcp (5) gf in Jun.
