tracked leaders, ridden and led over 1f out, headed inside final furlong, no extra near finish
close up, led over 4f out, ridden and headed over 1f out, weakened final furlong
close up for over 4f
slowly into stride, always in rear
slowly into stride, always towards rear
always towards rear
with leaders, ridden halfway, weakened over 1f out
towards rear, ridden & headway over 1f out, led inside final furlong, ran on well
held up, ridden over 2f out, headway over 1f out, every chance inside final furlong, ran on
led, headed over 4f out, soon ridden and weakened over 1f out
chased leaders, ridden halfway, every chance 1f out, no extra near finish
with leaders, ridden and weakened over 2f out
held up, ridden and headway 2f out, kept on one pace
Pax, an impressive winner under Alex Greaves at Newcastle four days ago, is taken to score again in a competitive handicap. Grey Cossack and Mister Benji will not run unless there is overnight rain, although their absences would still leave a field of 18. Pax is also one of only two course and distance winners in the contest, having landed this race last year. Admittedly, he has risen 14lbs in the ratings since that win but looked well capable of following up his Newcastle victory. Full Spate, the other c/d winner in the race, was four lengths behind Pax when seventh last year and is now six pounds better off (excluding rider's three-pound claim last term). Pax is also drawn low, which seems to be an advantage on the straight course in big fields, even more so when the going is soft. Cd Flyer has to be considered now that he is back to a winning mark and having run so well at Ascot last time, although he would not object to some rain. Yorkies Boy seems a shadow of his former self. Grey Cossack has chances at best, a comment that can be applied to the lightly-raced Branston Tiger (although his win came on soft going), Treetops Hotel (who is dropping back in trip) and Taranaki (although his best form is over further). Juwwi is another that will give you a run for your money while the booking of Kieren Fallon for Kareeb is interesting, although the gelding's best form is over further.