held up, went prominent after 4f, headway over 3f out, ridden over 2f out, kept on, no chance with winner
in touch, ridden over 5f out, weakened and eased well over 1f out
tracked leaders, outpaced over 3f out, rallied to lead over 1f out, ridden out
led, raced keen, ridden and headed 2f out, weakened over 1f out
dwelt, held up, headway halfway, led 2f out, ridden and headed over 1f out, weakened final furlong
chased leader, ridden over 4f out, weakened 3f out
in touch, lost place after 4f, soon well behind
On ratings at least, Aquarius is head and shoulders above these, but he is difficult to place off his current handicap mark and this may give him the opportunity to regain the winning thread. Campaigned overseas as a stayer by John Dunlop last season, he did have some earlier form over a similar trip when finishing second to And Beyond at York. The worry is that he hasn't shown too much since joining the Nicholls camp and if this race develops into a sprint, he may not possess the pace. Mumbling looked an absolute picture at Pontefract the other week and while another bold effort is anticipated, he has a lot to do at these weights. Compton Commander looks the live danger in this race. The previous course and distance winner has done most of his winning in smaller fields and if there are any chinks in the armour of the Nicholls horse, he could be the one to exploit them to the full. Titchfield won a weak maiden at Catterick but even this assignment is tougher than that particular outing.
