towards rear, pushed along over 3f, effort over 2f out, weakened final furlong
led strong pace, steadied over 4f out, ridden and headed over 2f out, no extra final furlong
prominent, pushed along over 4f out, ridden over 2f out, soon beaten
in touch, ridden to lead on inner over 2f out, driven out final furlong
tracked leader, ridden to challenge over 2f out, stayed on same pace final furlong
towards rear, not much room and switched right over 2f out, stayed on final furlong
mid-division, pushed along over 3f out, slightly hampered over 2f out, stayed on final furlong
steadied at start, headway over 2f out, ridden and no impression final 2f
Following a highly successful campaign in 2002, it was hardly surprising that Systematic was unable to match those performances last term but Mark Johnston's colt looks to have found a decent opportunity here and is taken to resume winning ways at the main expense of Dunhill Star and Heisse. The selection won seven times from nine starts two years ago but failed to trouble the judge in three outings when highly tried last term. This looks much more realistic for the son of Rainbow Quest who looks worth a bet. Dunhill Star is less exposed than most and, given trainer Barry Hills fine record at this meeting, has to be respected. David Loder's Heisse has raced just three times so far and is another unexposed rival. Not raced since finishing down the field in the Italian Derby last season, he could be interesting on his return. Paul d'Arcy's Forest Magic has been off the track since landing the Zetland Stakes in November 2002 but has claims if fit enough, while consistent handicapper Perfect Storm is another worthy of a mention. However, Systematic sets a decent standard and gets the vote.
