tracked leaders, ridden to lead over 2f out, headed inside final furlong, no extra near finish
slowly into stride, towards rear, ridden halfway, never nearer
mid-division, ridden halfway, some headway 2f out, soon weakened
in touch, ridden 3f out, weakened well over 1f out
tracked leaders, ridden over 3f out, weakened over 1f out
held up in rear, ridden and headway over 1f out, nearest finish
led, ridden and headed over 2f out, weakened over final furlong
held up, headway over 1f out, headed inside final furlong, ran on
soon tracked leader, ridden over 3f out, weakened quickly over 2f out
slowly into stride, mid-division, ridden over 3f out, weakened over 1f out
mid-division, ridden halfway, weakened over 2f out
mid-division, ridden over 3f out, headway 2f out, stayed on final furlong, unable to quicken
slowly into stride, pulled hard, always in rear
close up, ridden over 3f out, weakening when short of room inside final furlong
Mandarin Spirit is a hopeful choice to score again ahead of a host of dangers including Jacaranda, Michelle Ma Belle and Franksalot. Mandarin Spirit was unlucky in running in a better grade race than this at Sandown in August and has since made amends at Folkestone, making all under his high draw, with the headgear back on. There is no reason why he should not make a bold bid to repeat the feat here. Jacaranda is creeping back up the handicap but was fancied last time out and is expected to be in the shake-up. Michelle Ma Belle raced off a mark of 90 last time she appeared at Epsom so is well treated this time and has been knocking at the door of late. Franksalot has the assistance of Lisa Jones and now that he has opened his account, albeit in modest company at Brighton, he too can be involved in the finish. All in all it is set to be a close call, but Mandarin Spirit is our idea of the winner.