tracked leader, under pressure 2f out, headway and led 1f out, stayed on strongly inside final furlong
tracked leader, effort and every chance 2f out, beaten when checked approaching final furlong
took keen hold, prominent, effort 2f out, disputed lead final furlong, no extra close home
in touch, ridden and outpaced over 2f out, ran on again inside final furlong
always in rear
took keen hold in touch, ridden and weakened 2f out
steadied start, held up in rear, some moderate late headway over 1f out, never nearer
steadied start, always behind, tailed off over 1f out
held up mid-division, ridden over 2f out, kept on approaching final furlong, not pace to challenge
slowly into stride, towards rear, raced wide into straight, never dangerous
held up towards rear, never near to challenge
held up mid-division, ridden over 2f out out, kept on, no impression
took keen hold mid-division, steady headway over 1f out, stayed on inside final furlong, nearest finish
A typically competitive event to finish with. Doc Watson finally got his head in front, after several decent efforts, when landing, what it must be said, wasn't the strongest of maidens on the All-Weather. However, he doesn't look that well treated on this first venture into handicap company. Hoh Buzzard is another, who looks to face a stiff task on his handicap debut. The winner of a maiden at Nottingham, the bare form of that leaves him with something to find in this, along with Quintoto, who has to race off a 13lbs higher mark than when winning a moderate contest at Brighton. Almond Beach may improve for the step up in trip, but he will need to, while All-Weather winner Gracious Dancer, doesn't look harshly treated and if as effective on turf as he is on the sand, he could go well. Handicap debutante Smokin Barrels is respected. He is a half-brother to the useful Surprise Encounter, who improved as he got older and he was effective when he could hear his hooves rattle. However, a chance is taken with Island Rapture, who has already proven she can handle fast ground and that she has trained on from two to three. Amanda Perrett's filly isn't particularly well treated in having to give some useful colt's weight, but she is clearly on the upgrade and she is the choice to land a competitive heat.