prominent on stand side, ridden over 2f out, kept on final furlong
slowly into stride, always behind on far side
slowly into stride, soon chasing leaders on stand side, weakened 1f out
prominent on far side, weakened over 1f out, eased
made all on stand side, ran on well, ridden out
behind on stand side, headway over 1f out, kept on final furlong
mid-division on far side, weakened well over 1f out, eased
tracked leaders on stand side, ridden over 2f out, kept on same pace
chased leaders far side, one pace final furlong
always towards rear on far side
prominent on far side, weakened over 1f out
led far side group for 3f, soon weakened
behind on far side, headway over 1f out, stayed on
slowly into stride, soon in touch on stand side, ridden 2f out, hung right, soon weakened
slowly into stride, behind on far side, headway 3f out, led far side group over 1f out, kept on but always held by stand side
in touch on stand side, ridden over 2f out, ran on inside final furlong, no chance with winner
slowly into stride, soon chasing leaders on stand side, ridden 2f out, hung right, weakened
prominent on stand side, ridden 2f out, kept on same pace
held up behind on stand side, switched right 2f out, not clear run over 1f out, ran on inside final furlong
prominent on far side until weakened 2f out
chased leaders on stand side, ridden and weakened over 1f out
in touch on far side, ridden to chase leaders over 1f out, one pace final furlong
always towards rear on stand side
The David Nicholls scattergun points at Merlin's Dancer, who won his race on his side on Wednesday and can gain some quick compensation today. Undeterred, Romany Nights and High Ridge are others to consider as shortlist material, while Loyal Tycoon has enough decent form to his name to give him a solid mention for one of the places today. Nevertheless, as Nicholls has eleven of the field set to race under his care, it can safely be assumed that he is keen on winning this consolation race for the Saturday's big prize once more. And, as Pax and Plateau have shaped as if they need a little assistance from the handicapper, the vote goes to Merlin's Dancer. The son of Magic Ring likes to be out on his own up front - a tactic that has reaped handsome dividends in race like this over the years - so will have very few excuses if he runs his usual race. The switch to the near side could be the key to Merlin's Dancer and he can maintain the Nicholls stranglehold on this race if he lasts home