soon led, ridden and headed 2f out, weakened final furlong
held up in touch, led over 1f out, ridden out
keen, tracked leaders, ridden 3f out, weakened 2f out
steadied start, always in rear
tracked leader, driven to lead 2f out, soon headed, weakened final furlong
This looks best left to The Persuader who can reel off a four-timer against his older rivals, the best of whom may be Tarafah. The Persuader has put his rivals to the sword on each of his last three outings, at Nottingham, York and Beverley, that latest victory coming on soft ground. However, his two earlier wins were both gained under faster conditions that he will encounter here. Nominated as one to follow by Mark Johnston, the son of Sadler's Wells is rapidly repaying his 100,000gns purchase, and can pass his biggest test to date. Tarafah, a brother to Almutawakel, has been slow to mature, but was fancied at Sandown on his reappearance. He did not get the best of runs but would not have won anyway and is worth taking on at present. Team Mate has kept good company but at five does not have the scope of The Persuader who should once again have his rivals in a pocket.