raced far side, in touch, ridden 3f out, weakened over 1f out
raced stand side, chased leaders, ridden to lead that group over 1f out, no extra inside final furlong
raced stand side, behind, ridden and headway over 1f out, kept on never nearer
raced stand side, soon outpaced, ridden and headway over 1f out, stayed on, not reach leaders
raced far side, slowly into stride, soon chasing leaders, ridden halfway, weakened final furlong
raced far side, soon outpaced, ridden and headway over 1f out, ran on to go 2nd inside final furlong, no chance with winner
led stand side over 3f, weakened final furlong
chased leaders, ridden halfway, weakened over 1f out
raced stand side, chased leaders, ridden over 1f out, stayed on inside final furlong
raced far side, chased leaders, ridden halfway, one pace inside final furlong
raced far side, prominent, ridden and every chance over 1f out, weakened final furlong
raced far side, prominent, led halfway, ridden and edged right over 1f out, ran on
raced far side, prominent, ridden halfway, weakened over 1f out
led far side to halfway, soon ridden, weakened inside final furlong
Maktavish has the speed to burn off his rivals in the opener, with Indian Spark, Matty Tun and Salviati just three others in with a shout. Maktavish has been ultra-consistent this season, winning three of his five starts since being gelded. Ian Semple's charge can also be considered unlucky not to have added to his tally at Chester, as he hung under pressure close home yet was beaten less than a length. There is no reason why he should not make a bold bid to make amends, and we take him to see off the challenge of last year's winner Indian Spark who has in fact been successful twice in this event in all, and taken part on a few other occasions. The key to him is the ground though as he really needs it much softer, and unless the heavens open, he is worth opposing. Matty Tun is versatile as regards the ground but is handicapped up to his best, while Salviati is a bit in and out these days but comes from a yard that is choc full of sprinters who can turn it on when required. Racoon is lightly-weighted but has a bit to prove at this level, and comes up against a tough, in-form rival in Maktavish who can take this en-route to a crack at Epsom's Vodafone Dash.