towards rear, never dangerous
mid-division, effort over 4f out, never near to challenge
dwelt, held up towards rear, some late headway, never dangerous
prominent, pushed along to lead over 3f out, headed over 2f out, no extra final furlong
prominent, chased along over 3f out, one pace final 2f
held up, headway over 4f out, ridden 2f out, one pace final furlong
mid-division, chased along over 6f, soon beaten
held up, headway over 3f out, ridden and stayed on final 2f
held up behind leaders, ridden 3f out, weakened final 2f
in touch, ridden over 3f out, soon behind
led, headed after 3f, soon beaten
never better than mid-division
mid-division, ridden over 2f out, weakened final furlong
behind, headway over 3f out, ridden and every chance entering final furlong, stayed on
held up mid-division, smooth progress over 3f out, led over 2f out, ridden and kept on final furlong
held up, headway over 2f out, ran on final furlong
never a factor
tracked leaders, effort over 3f out, soon beaten
hampered on inner after 1f, unseated rider
dwelt, towards rear, pushed along over 4f out, headway over 2f out, one pace final furlong
mid-division, soon chased along, never dangerous
Recent all-weather winners Bella Pavlina and Glory Quest are potentially well treated despite their penalties as they are due to go up in future handicaps but preference is for the 2002 winner Middlethorpre. Badly drawn when third here 12 months ago, the seven-year-old will undoubtedly have been aimed at this race for some time now, is well treated off a 3lb lower mark than last term and is much better drawn in stall six. Last year's winner Archie Babe, who is only 3lbs higher than when successful 12 months ago has again had a recent outing over hurdles so fitness should not be a problem and, with the ground conditions to suit, he has to be respected but has been done few favours with the draw. Last year's winning jockey Liam Keniry has been claimed by his guv'nor Andrew Balding to ride Crown Agent but he is another drawn out in the country and is difficult to recommend on that basis. With a low draw a distinct advantage, the likes of bottom weight King Priam and the soft ground horse Iloveturtle have to be respected, while Benbyas could be interesting after a long lay off if fit enough. However, Middlethorpe has plenty in his favour and gets the nod to win the first race of the new turf season.