chased leaders, slightly hampered 2f out, kept on but not pace to challenge
in touch, ridden over 2f out, kept on same pace, never troubled leaders
held up rear, ridden over 3f out, never dangerous
started slowly, ridden over 3f out, always behind
close up, ridden and weakened 3f out
held up in touch, under pressure 4f out, still in touch 2f out, ridden and weakened quickly final furlong
chased leader to 2f out, no progress, weakened final furlong
held up, chased leaders 2f out, soon ridden and weakened
held up, headway 2f out, led over 1f out, driven out final furlong
held up, headway over 1f out, stayed on inside final furlong to take 2nd post
held up behind, late headway over 1f out, kept on inside final furlong, never nearer
A fairly open race here where African Sahara can make a bold bid to defy top weight, with Woodland Spirit, Champaign Sands and Silvaline also likely to be prominent. African Sahara was an historic first winner as a trainer for Debbie Mountain at Redcar recently, and though he could not defy a penalty to follow up at Catterick, he ran well enough under his welter burden to suggest he can repeat the dose here. With no other obvious winners in this race, over a trip that he loves, the top weight can come good again here. Woodland Spirit has been knocking on the door of late. David Elsworth's gelding runs mainly over a mile and there is little in either his recent form or his breeding to suggest that he will improve for further. A genuine sort, he should again run his race, but may be best watched until proven in excess of that mile trip. Silvaline benefited from a drop in the weights last time to finish a five length second to Rani Two at Windsor. However, the gelding has gone up 5lb as a result of that effort and again looks exposed. There are however no stamina doubts with this one, the question here being will he have the speed to drop back in trip. Meanwhile Champaign Sands comes here fresh after a break. He will relish the fast ground and this trip should also suit, so although he has a bit to find to win, he could merge as the most serious challenger to our selection, African Sahara.