missed break, held up in rear, ridden over 3f out, staying on one pace, but not much room over 1f out, no impression after
missed break, held up in touch, pushed along over 3f out, ridden and kept on one paced over final 2f out
track leaders, effort when not clear run over 2f out, switched left over 1f out, stayed on under pressure final furlong
made all, ridden 2f out, held on well towards finish
tracked winner, close up over 3f out, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
held up in touch, headway and effort over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
An interesting affair with the field being very closely matched on official ratings, but Neckar Valley can get the better of Kristiansand. The selection is an Irish import and ran very well when fourth on his British debut when meeting trouble in running at Beverley. His Irish form reads well and he is worth taking a chance on. Mick Channon's Kristiansand has had only three runs and the form of his last two maiden efforts has worked out well. It's conceivable that the handicapper has under-rated him. In a tight affair, though, the eight-time winner Arpeggio will have his supporters, as will Start Over, who won twice in July last year from his current mark. Fiddlers Creek's wins have all come over further but first-time cheekpieces might add something to his game. Recent course and distance winner Milagros will not find this as easy. As we say, it's interesting, but Neckar Valley gets the nod.
