held up, ridden and headway over 1f out, edged left under pressure and led inside final f., driven out
held up, ridden and headway over 1f out, stayed on same pace final furlong
with leader, led over 2f out, ridden and headed inside final furlong, no extra
held up in rear, ridden halfway, no impression
chased leaders, ridden and went 2nd over 1f out, not quicken i,s final furlong
soon led, ridden and headed over 2f out, weakened
in touch, ridden over 2f out, weakened final furlong
Connect is a frustrating customer, who has done the majority of his racing over the minimum trip. The way races have been run here recently (a slow early pace), it may enable him to get the trip better and with his turn of foot he should go close, if on a going day. Illusive has gone nearly two years without winning, but is more than capable if things go his way, while front-runner Legal Set may take some pegging back if he gets an uncontested lead. Rudik is another who is difficult to win with and could well have been in front too long at Southwell last time. If he can be held onto a bit longer in this, he could be a danger to all. Salerno doesn't look good enough on these terms and Taboor, although in good form, is normally one to oppose. Sounds Lucky has been in cracking form here and goes well for an inexperienced rider. He will be difficult to beat, but the vote goes to Roy Mcavoy, who appears to be improving fast. He will again be partnered by Simon Whitworth, who has won twice and been runner-up twice, on the four times he has ridden the five-year-old.
