held up in mid-division, ridden over 3f out, weakened over 2f out
held up in touch, headway halfway, led 3f out, pushed clear entering final furlong, comfortably
tracked leader, led over 5f out, headed 3f out, weakened 2f out
towards rear, pushed along over 3f out, no impression
held up in mid-division, headway and effort 3f out, chased winner over 2f out, one paced final furlong
in touch, pushed along over 3f out, effort over 2f out, one paced final furlong
towards rear, never dangerous
towards rear, never dangerous
led, headed 5f out, ridden over 3f out, weakened inside final furlong
held up towards rear, pushed along over 3f out, one paced final 2f
tracked leaders, effort 2f out, one paced final furlong
This is a good race, with Southwell scorer Inglis Drever likely to be a strong fancy, along with both Manoubi and Marakabei; however, the lightly-raced Sono ran really well last time and may just provide the best each-way value. Inglis Drever is a consistent performer and Sir Mark Prescott's gelding bolted up at Southwell on his reappearance on Monday. He goes just as well on turf, so has obvious claims with just a six pound penalty. Manoubi represents the Derby-winning team of Sir Michael Stoute and Kieren Fallon, and drops back in trip having finished third in a decent handicap at Sandown last time, so has to be respected as well. Marakabei overcame trouble in running to win stylishly on her reappearance at Nottingham, and while a 7lb hike in the weights is not exactly generous by the handicapper, she is still capable of running close. However, at the likely odds we take a chance with Peter Niven's Sono, who was 33/1 when second in a competitive handicap at Pontefract at the beginning of the month. A line through Sporting Gesture gives him the beating of Manoubi, and as he is likely to be about twice the price he looks to be the best value here, with Joe Fanning in the plate.
