behind, ridden and headway over 1f out, kept on, never dangerous
held up, ridden and headway 3f out, one pace inside final furlong
mid-division, lost place 5f out, no danger after
chased leaders, ridden over 3f out, weakened over 1f out
slowly into stride, always behind
in touch, ridden 4f out, headway over 2f out, kept on final furlong
mid-division, ridden and headway over 3f out, led over 1f out, ran on
mid-division, ridden over 3f out, weakened over 1f out
slowly into stride, held up, headway over 4f out, ridden over 2f out, weakened inside final furlong
led, ridden and headed over 2f out, weakened quickly
Lawood seemed not to stay 1m4f last time and should appreciate the return to this trip but may not be the best-handicapped horse in the field and preference is for Smart John, who gets the vote over Libre. The last mentioned is well treated on his best form now but has not shown that for some time so a chance is taken with Smart John, on of three runners representing the stable of Mark Brisbourne. The selection made a promising start to his career for new connections at Nottingham recently and should strip fitter for the outing. He makes more appeal than stablemates Iftikhar and Luxor who both have their first outing of the season today. Top weight Compton Dragon hails from the stable of David Nicholls that has been back among the winners recently and has to be respected along with Sir Night, for who the booking of Darryll Holland takes the eye. However, Smart John is well treated on his best form and, with improvement to come, he gets the vote.