tracked leader, ridden to lead last, held on well towards finish
led, ridden when mistake 2 out, headed last, kept on same pace
chased leaders, ridden approaching 2 out, soon outpaced, kept on, run-in
Nonrunner
There are only eleven pounds between this quartet on official ratings, but the vote goes to Em's Boy. The piece of form that stands out for the selection is a four-length second to Julius Caesar at Newcastle in January. With the winner having gone on to land a valuable novices' handicap at Sandown on Saturday, that stands out as form, although, admittedly, the selection hasn't exactly set the world alight in two subsequent runs. Already a course winner, Classical Ben's overall form is more than good enough to play a part in what is a run-of-the-mill affair, and he is the highest rated of these on official figures, while Count The Cost has shown improvement in cheekpieces lately and should run his race. Finally, Wise Man is better known as a chaser these days, which spins us back to the selection, which is Em's Boy.
Classical Ben 6-4fav Chased leaders, pushed along after 3 out, kept on, no impression from next, 3rd of 13, 11l behind Classic Capers at Catterick 2m 3f nh nov hdl (E) gs in Feb.
Em's Royalty 5-1 With leader, led 3rd, ridden 2 out and clear when fell at the last in race won by Mckelvey at Newcastle 3m mdn hdl (F) hvy in Feb, 8 ran.
Wise Man (IRE) 7-1 Held up in touch, lost place approaching 7th and pulled up 4 out in race won by Catch The Perk at Ayr 3m nov hcp hdl 0-115 (D) gd, 7 ran.
Count The Cost (IRE) 9-2fav Led after 1st, headed after 3 out, ridden next, one pace flat, 3rd of 15, 6l behind Pebble Bay at Catterick 3m 1f nov hcp hdl 0-100 (E) gs.
