keen led soon after 1st, hit 4th, ridden and headed approaching 2 out, soon weakened
led 1st, tracked leader after, led again approaching 2 out, soon ridden, pressed last, stayed on
chased leading pair, outpaced approaching 5th, soon ridden, weakened quickly 3 out, tailed off when pulled up approaching last
close up in rear, outpaced 5th, went 3rd at next, headway to chase winner soon after 2 out, ridden to challenge approaching last, one pace flat
Those with experience have ability but questions to answer now. Only a pound separates GRAND INQUISITOR and Swaffham Bulbeck according to the handicapper but the latter has been looking one-paced around here so Ian Williams’ charge gets the nod. War Drums looks a better bet than Emerald Rocket of the newcomers with the latter the stable’s second string.
Grand Inquisitor 7-2 (12-1) Tracked leaders, outpaced on outside 3 out, left disputing 3rd next, soon ridden, no impression from last, 5th of 7, 6 3/4l behind Hijran (12-1) at Ludlow 2m hcp (4) gd in Feb.
Swaffham Bulbeck (IRE) 5-2 (11-5) Tracked leaders, ridden 2 out, kept on to go 3rd at last, not trouble leaders, 3rd of 9, 15l behind Arch My Boy (11-5) at Fakenham 2m mdn (4) gd in Mar.
War Drums 7-1 (11-6) Prominent, ridden 3f out, weakened final furlong, 8th of 14, 13 3/4l behind Jam Session (11-7) at Goodwood 2m hcp (4) sft in Oct.
Emerald Rocket (IRE) 20-1 (9-4) Tracked leaders, lost place 9f out, pushed along over 4f out, weakened over 1f out, 6th of 7, 14l behind Ilhabela Fact (9-11) at Kempton 1m 4f hcp (5) pol in Feb.
