prominent, raced keenly, went 2nd 5f out, led briefly over 3f out, weakened 2f out
soon led, headed over 3f out, weakened over 2f out
held up in touch, challenged 4f out, led over 2f out, edged right well over 1f out, stayed on inside final furlong
slowly into stride, held up in rear, headway over 2f out, ridden over 1f out, stayed on same pace until eased well inside final furlong
led early, chased leader, not much room on inside over 6f out, led over 3f out, ridden and headed over 2f out, slightly hampered well over 1f out, stayed on same pace inside final furlong
held up, pushed along over 4f out, weakened over 2f out
Nonrunner
Another tight heat in which we are putting Royal Premier forwards. The booking of Seb Sanders for the gelding is eyecatching as the pair have landed the spoils on two of the three occasions that they have teamed up. Rain would be a concern and his mark's a little high but he has a good strike rate and may be able to strike again. Mae Cigan would relish any rain and the showers certainly helped his cause at Newbury last time. He's never won from a mark this high but has to be on the short-list. Prince Of Love and One To Follow are of interest whilst support for Ommadawn should be taking seriously. Is It Me went close over course and distance for today's jockey last August from a 4lb higher mark and may be able to bounce back to form whilst Calming Waters is in with a shout on his all-weather form. Several hold viable claims and Royal Premier is a nominal selection.
Wester Ross (IRE) 15-2 (9-4) Led, narrowly headed 3f out, still every chance over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 10th of 13, 9l behind Aypeeyes (9-2) at Nottingham 1m 2f hcp 0-75 (5) gd.
Is It Me (USA) 20-1 (8-9) Took keen hold, led, headed halfway, stayed in touch, ridden 3f out, weakened over 2f out, 7th of 8, 14l behind Pocket Too (8-6) at Kempton 2m hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Jan.
Royal Premier (IRE) 11-4fav (8-10) Held up in rear, driven along 3f out, soon struggling, 6th of 11, 18l behind Dove Cottage (9-4) at Goodwood 1m 3f hcp 0-70 (5) gd.
Ommadawn (IRE) 6-1 (9-4) Held up towards rear, headway over 2f out, soon ridden and hung left, outpaced final furlong, 6th of 9, 9l behind Colonel Flay (8-11) at Southwell 1m 4f hcp 0-65 (6) gd.
One To Follow 5-1 (9-0) Always in rear, 10th of 11, 41l behind Dove Cottage (9-4) at Goodwood 1m 3f hcp 0-70 (5) gd.
King of The Beers (USA) 18-1 (8-4) Mid-division, ridden over 2f out, slightly outpaced, stayed on again inside final furlong, not trouble leaders, 4th of 11, 3l behind Terminate (8-11) at Bath 1m 4f hcp 0-65 (6) gf.
Mae Cigan (FR) 10-1 (8-8) Held up mid-division, not much room over 2f out, good headway between horses 1f out, strong run final furlong, led post, won at Newbury 1m 4f hcp 0-75 (5) gd beating Show Winner (9-2) by a shd, 16 ran.
Calming Waters 9-1 (9-2) Held up 4th, ridden and no impression over 1f out, stayed on towards finish, not reach leaders, 4th of 5, 2 1/2l behind Apache Fort (9-4) at Lingfield 1m 4f hcp 0-70 (5) pol.
Prince of Love (IRE) 11-4 (9-0) Held up, took closer order over 4f out, ridden 3f out, chased winner over 1f out, kept on same pace, 2nd of 5, 3 1/2l behind Hilltop Destiny (9-3) at Southwell 1m 4f hcp 0-75 (5) fbs in Dec '06.
