always towards rear, reminders over 5f out, weakened well over 2f out, soon eased
behind, headway over 3f out, every chance when not much room and hampered over 1f out, not recover
behind, ridden over 3f out, headway over 1f out, kept on after
dwelt, soon in touch, ridden to lead 2f out, hung left over 1f out, no extra well inside final furlong
chased leaders, reminders over 4f out, ridden over 2f out, weakened final furlong
behind, headway to go mid-division 3f out, not much room over 1f out, onepaced after
took keen hold in touch, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
mid-division, ridden over 3f out, kept on onepaced after
tracked leader, ridden well over 3f out, soon weakened
behind, headway over 3f out, ridden to lead 1f out, ran on well inside
mid-division, never nearer
chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, weakened final furlong
mid-division, ridden over 2f out, not much room 1f out, kept on after
led, ridden and headed 2f out, weakened well over 1f out
always towards rear
always behind
This has all the hallmarks of a rough and tumble affair and luck in running may play a strong hand in the outcome. Therefore it looks to be a race to approach with caution and it may be prudent to search out a bit of value. Smart John fits the bill as an improver and he is just preferred over Tagula Bay, Irish Tycoon and Earlston. The three-year-old is one of the least exposed runners in the field and put in by far his best performance to date at Newcastle just over two weeks ago. That was only his second outing in handicap company and he looks sure to improve on that performance. The form was given a solid boost when Tiber Tiger won at Beverley on Wednesday night and it would be no surprise if he delivers on the promise today. Tagula Bay appreciated the soft ground when winning a weak race at Thirsk last month, but has a much stiffer test here. So Earlston, who meets the selection on the same terms as when finishing less than a length adrift of him at Gosforth Park, may provide the sternest opposition. However, he has struggled off his current mark and he lacks the scope of Smart John; although support for Lauro would be interesting. Irish Tycoon is best of the rest.