led, ridden halfway, headed final furlong, weakened close home
chased leaders, ridden halfway, soon beaten
always behind
prominent, ridden halfway, weakened inside final furlong
chased leaders, ridden halfway, kept on
chased leaders, ridden halfway, weakened inside final furlong
towards rear, ridden halfway, stayed on final furlong, nearest finish
always behind
went left start, soon chasing leaders, ridden halfway, kept on one pace
chased leaders, ridden halfway, gradually weakened
mid-division, ridden halfway, never nearer
chased leaders and soon outpaced, ridden and headway to lead final furlong, kept on well
chased leaders, ridden halfway, soon weakened
bumped start, soon chasing leaders, ridden halfway, weakened inside final furlong
chased leaders, ridden halfway, weakening when saddle slipped and unseated rider final furlong
The draw and prowess in the saddle will both be key factors, with Czar Wars, Sounds Lucky and Rosselli major players on that basis. In an open affair the vote goes to Sounds Lucky. Nick and Emma Littmoden team up with the seven-year-old who has been a prolific winner on the all-weather, and who seemed to appreciate the fitting of cheekpieces when running a blinder but beaten in a photo at Lingfield last time. Emily Jones took this race 12 months ago on Rampart for Derek Shaw but now switches to the Jon Balding yard for the leg-up on Czar Wars who has definite claims on his best form. The Shaw stable meanwhile have booked Serena Brotherton for Delta Force who was a fair third to Oases, staying on well at the finish. Rosselli has a nice high draw in 16 and is showing signs of a return to form, so is another for the short-list. However, all things considered, Sounds Lucky must go close.