led early, remained prominent, not clear run over 2f out, led 1f out, quickened clear
slowly into stride, took keen hold in rear, ridden and headway 2f out, never on terms
held up, not clear run over 2f out, hard ridden and hung left over 1f out, stayed on same pace inside final furlong, never troubled leaders
held up towards rear, headway over 3f out, soon ridden, weakened final furlong
pulled hard, held up, ridden over 3f out, soon behind, tailed off
soon led, ridden 2f out, headed 1f out, no extra and lost 2nd well inside final furlong
slowly into stride, soon driven along to be in touch, ridden over 4f out, weakened 3f out, tailed off
prominent, chased leader 6f out, ridden 3f out, lost 2nd over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong
chased leaders, shaken up 3f out, not clear run briefly 2f out, soon ridden, stayed on to take 2nd well inside final furlong, no chance with winner
This is a marked drop in class for Realism and he gets the confident nomination to get back on the winning trail. Assuming that the rain stays away (he wouldn't want it any softer), Richard Fahey's gelding looks worth a bet. Having won around Pontefract and Southwell before, the bends at the Roodee should be ok and he can land this claiming contest. The main danger looks to be Chancellor who also takes a marked drop in grade although he (not unlike the selection) has been out of form of late. He won't mind any further rain so if the heavens open he could become the first choice. Yakimov and Telegonus have been in decent form on the all-weather of late, and the former could be a real danger today, whilst at a price Strife could reach a place. Watch the betting for further clues however Realism gets the nomination.
Realism (FR) 28-1 (9-1) Led, headed 6f out, hampered 5f out and over 4f out, every chance 2f out, weakened over 1f out, eased inside final furlong, last of 11, 9l behind Temple Place (8-6) at Chester 1m 2f hcp 0-100 (2) gf in May.
Tous Les Deux 12-1 (9-1) Always rear division, last of 9, 19l behind Moody Tunes (9-11) at Haydock 1m hcp 0-90 (3) hvy.
Optimus (USA) 9-1 (9-7) Hampered start, held up, ridden over 3f out, hung left, no impression, 5th of 7, 9l behind Olimpo (8-13) at Chepstow 1m 2f hcp 0-75 (5) sft.
Chancellor (IRE) 50-1 (9-2) Mid-division, ridden and lost touch over 3f out, soon well behind, 11th of 12, 22l behind Familiar Territory (9-7) at Kempton 1m 2f hcap (3) pol.
Punta Galera (IRE) 14-1 (9-5) Driven to lead, headed 3f out, weakened rapidly, last of 12, 29l behind Night Cru (9-1) at Windsor 1m 2f hcp 0-80 (4) gd.
Strife (IRE) 16-1 (8-2) Dwelt, always behind, last of 11, 28l behind Zabeel Tower (8-8) at Ayr 1m 2f hcp (6) gd.
Telegonus 10-1 (9-12) In touch, left in lead over 6f out, headed over 4f out, weakened approaching final furlong, 3rd of 5, 7l behind Veracity (8-7) at W'hampton 1m 4f mdn stk (5) pol in Apr.
Yakimov (USA) 12-1 (9-3) Held up, headway on outer over 2f out, led 2f out, ridden and kept on gamely final furlong, won at Southwell 1m hcap (4) fbs beating Stolen Glance (8-3) by 2l, 6 ran.
