tracked leaders, ridden over 3f out, no extra final 2f
held up in touch, headway over 3f out, soon ridden, stayed on to lead entering final furlong, kept on
led, ridden over 2f out, headed entering final furlong, no extra towards finish
held up towards rear, headway and effort over 3f out, no extra final 2f
tracked leader, effort and chance over 2f out, kept on, one paced final furlong
towards rear, headway and in touch 5f out, ridden over 3f out, one paced final 2f
held up in touch, dropped rear halfway, soon behind
towards rear, never dangerous
A tight betting heat with little between the principals at the weights but marginal preference is for The Gambler while Huwaidah, Desert Fortune and Royal Twist are the likeliest alternatives. The selection can be excused his latest effort when finding five furlongs an inadequate test of stamina but had previously finished a close third in a competitive handicap over seven furlongs at Redcar. Paul Johnson's charge is stepping up to a mile for the first time but shapes as though it will be within his compass and his rider's 5lb allowance just gives him the edge. Huwaidah is still a maiden but is lightly raced and open to plenty of improvement while the step back in trip should suit after the daughter of Shareef Dancer refused to settle on her seasonal return over ten furlongs at Newcastle last month. Mark Johnston's Desert Fortune has shown little in two starts this term but ran respectably behind Kris Kin as a juvenile and a reproduction in first-time blinkers would give him every chance on these terms. Royal Twist was a little below his best last time but has claims on his effort when third over this trip behind a subsequent winner at Nottingham in late April.
