prominent, ridden 4f out, weakened over 1f out
held up, headway over 3f out, ridden over 2f out, weakened and eased inside final furlong
slowly into stride, soon prominent, ridden over 3f out, weakened over 2f out
slowly into stride, behind, ridden and headway over 2f out, kept on never dangerous
mid-division, ridden and headway 3f out, weakened over 1f out
slowly into stride, towards rear, steady headway 5f out, ridden and every chance over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong
led and raced freely, ridden over 2f out, ran on
chased leaders, ridden over 3f out, weakened over 2f out
mid-division, not much room and lost place 3f out, rallied over 1f out, stayed on well inside final furlong, not reach winner
A moderate contest and only a few can be given a chance on official ratings. Best in is Saddlers Quest, who can be forgiven his effort on the fibresand last time , as he failed to stay. He will have no trouble with the prevailing fast ground and is taken to get back on the winning trail. Winning hurdler Gabor has been somewhat disappointing on the flat this season, but this is a drop in class for him and he cannot be written off. Khuzdar wasn't suited by the steady pace when slightly disappointing at Nottingham last weekend and even though this trip is probably short of his best, he should have a stronger pace in this, which will certainly see him in a better light. Barton Sands hasn't won for over thee years, but there have been encouraging signs of late, including when running on into fourth over 10-furlongs here back in May. While he does have something to find with a few of these, it could be that he may be capable of a bit of improvement at this trip. However, with no doubts about trip or ground Saddlers Quest is lumbered with the vote.
