led stands side, ridden over 2f out and weakened over 1f out
tracked leaders far side, ridden over 2f out, soon one pace
towards rear far side, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
prominent far side, ridden over 2f out, kept on one pace final furlong
tracked leaders stands side, ridden over 2f out and weakened inside last
chased leaders stands side, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
tracked leaders far side, ridden over 2f out, kept on one pace
towards rear far side, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
made all far side and out right, ridden over 2f out, kept on inside last
chased leaders stands side, ridden 3f out, soon beaten
tracked leaders far side, ridden halfway, weakened inside last
In another modest race, Abelard gets the vote ahead of Compton Classic and, possibly, Sharp Diversion. Abelard improved for the fitting of blinkers at Carlisle last time, and was noted keeping on at the finish. So long as he does not get too far behind today, the uphill finish should play into his hands and, in what is a modest race, has to be given a lot of consideration. Compton Classic's second over course and distance early last month from today's mark would give him a big chance, and his best form has so far come when there has been a bit of give in the going. Sharp Diversion has hinted at being better than he has so far shown, so could improve in what is a modest race, while the likes of Lord Baskerville, who has been placed a few times, has yet to win a race. Many of the others have little in the way of form to recommend them, although it is conceivable that Weakest Link could improve for the fitting of cheekpieces. However, for the winner, we will stick with Abelard.
Sokoke 12-1 (9-0) In touch, ridden 3f out, weakened 2f out, 12th of 14, 14l behind Black Sabbeth (9-0) at Southwell 6f mdn stk (D3) fbs in Nov.
Abelard (IRE) 14-1 (8-13) Mid-division, pushed along halfway, kept on approaching final furlong, 4th of 17, 5l behind Whinhill House (9-10) at Carlisle 5f hcp (6) gf in May.
Sharp Diversion (USA) 66-1 (8-9) Raced mid-division, hampered 3f out, ridden and soon weakened, last of 17, 28l behind Takhleed (9-0) at Leicester 6f 3yo mdn (5) gf in May.
Weakest Link 5-1 (8-10) Chased leaders over 3f, 7th of 12, 5l behind Torrent (9-2) at W'hampton 5f stk (7) pol in May.
Lord Baskerville 9-2fav (8-7) Chased leaders, ridden 2f out, stayed on towards finish, 4th of 15, 2l behind Sea Frolic (8-12) at Carlisle 1m stk (7) gf in May.
Steal The Thunder 14-1 (8-3) Chased leaders, ridden 2f out, no impression from over 1f out, 5th of 10, 11l behind Flying Heart (8-7) at Carlisle 5f 3yo hcp (6) sft in May.
Juniper Banks 16-1 (8-11) Chased leaders, ridden over 1f out, weakened final furlong, 5th of 11, 7l behind Baytown Flyer (8-8) at W'hampton 6f stk (7) pol in May.
Compton Classic 11-2 (8-10) In touch, lost place 2f out, weakened final furlong, 7th of 10, 16l behind Flying Heart (8-7) at Carlisle 5f 3yo hcp (6) sft in May.
