with leader, led over 2f out, driven out
led, ridden and headed over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
towards rear and outpaced, ridden halfway, kept on final furlong
chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, chased winner over 1f out, kept on
chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
dwelt and went right start, always behind
Straffan, Choreographic and Compton Classic are three against the field in this tight handicap and the tentative vote is given to Straffan. The selection won with a little in hand when beating Street Ballad last time out and although he has a penalty for that win he again has conditions to suit and he is taken to defy the handicapper. Choreographic rates the main danger on his best form but he was very disappointing last season so can not be put forward with any confidence. However the return to this trip is sure to suit. Compton Classic is another worthy of respect on his latest fourth behind Blades Boy especially as that form has since been franked but he has given the impression in the past that he would be seen to better effect over a longer trip and for that reason he is opposed. The Keep was behind the selection last time out and is weighted to gain his revenge. However consistency is not his strong point. Of the remainder Shatin Leader has dropped to a handy mark and is sure to have come on for his first run of the season but for the winner we return to Straffan who looks sure to improve again.
Straffan (IRE) 13-2 Chased leader, ridden 2f out, led inside final furlong, ridden out, won at Redcar 6f app clm gd in Apr beating Street Ballad by 3/4l, 18 ran.
Bond Puccini 33-1 Held up stands' side, never a factor, 9th of 19, 9l behind Bold Haze at Ripon 6f 3yo hcp sft in Apr.
Choreographic (IRE) 11-2 Mid-division, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 13th of 17, 21l behind Kinky at Catterick 7f 3yo hcp sft in Apr.
Compton Classic 9-1 Led, ridden 2f out, headed over 1f out, kept on inside final furlong, 4th of 8, 2 1/2l behind Blades Boy at Hamilton 5f 3yo hcp gs in Apr.
Shatin Leader 20-1 Towards rear, ridden 2f out, kept on approaching final furlong, 6th of 8, 3l behind Blades Boy at Hamilton 5f 3yo hcp gs in Apr.
Kristikhab (IRE) 66-1 Slowly into stride, always behind, 15th of 16, 24l behind Penang Sapphire at Nottingham 5f 2yo hcp 0-75 (E3) hvy in Nov.
The Keep 14-1 Led after 1f, shaken up over 1f out, ridden final furlong, caught near finish, 2nd of 8, 1/2l behind Straffan at Lingfield 5f 3yo sll (G4) pol in Jan.