led at good pace, headed 3 out, weakened before next
close 2nd when fell 5th
prominent, left 2nd at 5th, mistake next, weakened 4 out
behind, headway 4 out, every chance 2 out, hit last, weakened flat
held up going well in touch, steady headway from 6th, led approaching last, stayed on flat
in touch, behind from 4 out
held up and behind, mistake 7th, headway 4 out, led next, headed 2 out, one pace flat
in touch, effort to lead 2 out, ridden and headed approaching last, not quicken flat
The top four in the weights, Emphatic, Admiral Peary, Mazzini and Big Quick are the ones to concentrate on, with the latter just preferred on the strength of his recent Exeter victory. Amateur Justin Morgan was rather modest about his effort on Laurie Wells' eight-year-old, as he somehow managed to cope with losing his irons to get back up on the line and beat Diletia. The fast ground was also instrumental in the gelding losing his maiden tag, and he should stay the extra trip easily. Emphatic was a beaten favourite at Huntingdon but came up against the improving Tufty Hopper, so can't be ruled out. However, he meets Admiral Peary on five pounds worse terms than when beating that opponent at the same course earlier and may struggle to confirm the form. Course winner Mazzini belied his age to make all here last time. He likes to be kept wide of the field and no doubt similar tactics will be employed again. It could be a race of tactics then but Big Quick is entitled to go close.
