held up mid-division, pushed along over 2f out, switched right and ridden over 1f out, ran on to lead inside final furlong, edged left close home
mid-division, headway over 2f out, ridden and every chance entering final furlong, stayed on
led, ridden over 2f out, kept on until headed inside final furlong, no extra
mid-division, effort over 2f out, ridden and one pace final furlong
always behind
dwelt, towards rear, headway 3f out, one pace final furlong
in touch, effort 3f out, one pace to weaken final furlong
mid-division, pushed along over 2f out, not much room inside final furlong, no extra
slowly into stride, always behind
held up behind leaders, ridden 2f out, weakened final furlong
held up, headway 2f out, every chance entering final furlong, stayed on
prominent, pushed along over 3f out, outpaced final 2 furlongs
in touch, ridden to join leaders 2f out, soon weakened
never better than mid-division
towards rear, some late headway, never near to challenge
chased leaders, ridden 2f out, stayed on same pace
mid-division, effort over 3f out, soon beaten
A wide-open opener to Haydock's card and there are many to consider but the in-foal Highland Gait is the selection. Imminent motherhood clearly agrees with her and, unpenalised for that success, can follow up before being reassessed. Zyzania is also in foal and is also running well so can't be ruled out even off top weight. Among others to consider are the first-time blinkered Aljard, well handicapped on the best of last season's form; Ben Hur, who despite not being well drawn is proving consistent; Encounter, who looked to be coming to hand last time; recent winner Glenhurich, although he has been raised three pounds for that success; and recent all-weather winner Risk Free, if he can repeat that effort on turf. Sheer Focus is capable of putting in a good run, as is Indian Warrior, the now-blinkered Lady Lenor, and the potentially well-handicapped Six Pack. Shotley Princess will probably play the bunny while Yorkshire Blue's come-from-behind tactics might be tricky to execute here. Of the others, the former-Jeremy Noseda inmate, Western Applause, has claims at best but, overall, we'll stick with the mother-to-be Highland Gait.