steadied start, held up behind, plenty to do 2f out, good headway on outside over 1f out, strong run inside final furlong to lead towards finish
mid-division, ridden 3f out, no progress, weakened over 2f out
behind, ridden 3f out, soon outpaced
mid-division, lost place and in rear over 3f out, soon tailed off
led 2f, tracked leader to 4f out, ridden over 2f out, soon beaten
awkward start, led after 2 furlongs, ridden and headed well over 2f out, gradually weakened
held up behind, headway to chase leaders over 1f out, kept on inside final furlong, never nearer
in touch, ridden to go second over 1f out, not reach leader and lost 2nd inside final furlong, kept on towards finish
started slowly, always rear, struggling over 2f out, tailed off
tracked leaders, went 2nd 4f out, led well over 2f out, stayed on under pressure, still 2 lengths clear 1f out, no extra when headed towards finish
You could make a case for most of these, but from a shortlist of STAND GUARD, Scarab and Awatuki, we'll select the first named. Paul Howling's runner has won his last three races here, albeit over a mile and a quarter, comes here well in at the weights, with highly rated Andrea Atzeni claiming a very useful five pounds. Expect him to be ridden close to the pace before the button gets pushed, As long as he gets the trip, the step up in grade shouldn't be a problem. Mark Johnston's Scarab is the least exposed, and the bottom weight. Certainly the improving sort, a winner last time out, this is his handicap debut, and he has the advantage of a high draw. Awatuki likes it round here, and Great Leighs, where he landed a touch last week. He certainly shrugged off his previous disappointments to return to the winners' enclosure, and will have his supporters today. It could be a lively betting heat followed by a decent race, with Strand Guard Selected to be first home.
