soon behind stand side, outpaced 3f out, ridden over 2f out, ran on well final furlong, not reach winner
chased leader stand side, ridden over 1f out, no extra inside final furlong
prominent stand side, ridden and effort over 1f out, kept on
dwelt, soon behind stand side, never dangerous
switched right after 1f, chased leaders stand side, ridden and weakened over 1f out
chased leaders stand side, ridden over 2f out, kept on one pace final furlong
chased leaders stand side, ridden over 2f out, weakened well inside final furlong
slowly into stride, always behind and outpaced stand side
raced stand side, soon pushed along and outpaced, never dangerous
dwelt, chased leaders stand side, ridden over 1f out, kept on, no impression
chased leaders stand side, ridden and weakened final furlong
chased leader far side, outpaced 3f out, soon ridden and behind
raced stand side, chased leaders to 2f out, soon weakened
led far side 1f, ridden 2f out, soon well behind
prominent stand side, led 2f out, ridden over 1f out, stayed on well final furlong
raced mid-division stand side, ridden over 1f out, kept on well inside final furlong, not reach leaders
raced stand side, led overall after 1f, ridden and headed 2f out, soon weakened
chased leaders stand side until ridden and weakened final furlong
towards rear stand side, headway 3f out, soon ridden, ran on well entering final furlong, not reached leaders
A fiercely competitive sprint handicap is the day's showcase race, and the draw is likely to be a significant factor. The stats suggest that high numbers have had a big advantage in recent years, so it could well pay to ignore those drawn in single figures. That would include three of David Nicholls' four entries, and although Brave Burt would have a decent chance on his best form, he would probably want more cut in the ground and the stable's horses have tended to need a few weeks before hitting top form in recent years. Henry Hall is by no means badly treated at these weights and is one to keep on the right side, though a combination of him possibly needing the run and having a far from ideal draw in 11 would persuade us to look elsewhere this time. The lightly-raced Tesio, with Richard Quinn on board, makes some appeal but is not too well drawn, as does John O'Groats, who progressed well last year and seems sure to run well if forward enough. Fromsong, who contested some good races last year and goes well fresh, so is another for a rather long-looking shortlist, as is Piccled, who has been in tremendous form on the sand. However, we just side with top weight Indian Spark. He finished fourth to Seven No Trumps in this race last year, but was drawn on the wrong side that day. Stall 21 could be perfect for him and on a four pounds lower mark, with Kieren Fallon booked, he looks to have very solid claims.