in touch, 6th entering straight, ridden and no impression
led, ridden and headed 2f out, soon no extra
tracked leaders in 4th, 3rd straight, 2nd and challenged over 1f out, kept on well under pressure
close up in 2nd, ridden to lead 2f out, headed 1f out, soon no extra
held up in rear, last into straight, stayed on to go moderate 3rd close home
tracked leaders, 5th halfway, ridden and no impression straight, one pace
chased leaders in 3rd, ridden approaching straight, soon weakened
held up towards rear, 8th approaching straight, headway 2f out, 3rd and challenged under 1 1/2f out, led 1f out, kept on well under pressure
chased leaders on outer, 6th halfway, ridden before straight, soon weakened, eased over 1f out
Home Secretary and Born To Excel are out of the handicap but are in decent form and will be ridden by useful young jockeys. Westtower Boy was due to run in the 4.05 here yesterday and is in good enough form to be worth noting in both events. Solo Performer has won over the C&D but appears better over further these days unlike ELUSIVE RIDGE, who made all for a very impressive victory here last time and can complete a double despite a 7lb rise. Winning hurdler Pires hasn't had much experience on the surface but has generally competed at a higher level and must be considered for this, a remark that also applies to the classy Windsor Palace despite his long lay-off as most of his runs have been in pattern race company.
