soon led, ridden over 2f out, kept on
slowly into stride, behind, ridden over 2f out, kept on final furlong
led early, ridden over 2f out, soon weakened
chased leaders, ridden well over 2f out, every chance over 1f out, not quicken inside final furlong
always behind
chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, one pace final furlong
towards rear, effort halfway, some headway well over 1f out, never dangerous
Following his remarkable Ayr Gold Cup victory it is hard to look further than Funfair Wane, who can beat Cartography and Johnston's Diamond. Given a bold ride, Funfair Wane poached a healthy lead some two furlongs out and hung on gamely in the closing stages to win that highly competitive event. Winner of the race two years ago, his form since had been very mixed, but if he can put in the same kind of performance today he will be difficult to beat. Cartography was well beaten in the Group one sprint cup at Haydock, but had previously chased home Pastoral Pursuits in a listed event at Newbury, with no ground worries today he could pose a big problem to our selection. On official ratings Johnston's Diamond does look up against it, but he is coming back to his best and could be the one to take advantage if the principals don't perform. Welsh Emperor finished ahead of Cartography at Haydock, but will find it difficult to confirm the form at today's weights. Philharmonic looks best of the remainder, but in this mood Funfair Wane looks the one to be on.