in touch, chased leader 3f out, ridden and every chance over 1f out, no extra final furlong
held up in mid-division, headway and wide outside 3f out, ridden and every chance over 1f out, weakened final furlong
held up in rear, smooth headway to track leaders 3f out, switched left just inside final furlong, soon led and clear easily
led, ridden 2f out, headed and outpaced inside final furlong
mid-division, driven along halfway, soon beaten
held up in rear, headway 3f out, effort on outer over 1f out, stayed on
raced wide in mid-division, driven halfway, weakened over 3f out, virtually pulled up final 2f
chased leaders to halfway, soon weakened
track leader to 3f out, soon weakened
behind, pushed along and struggling 3f out
Shaman, Forever My Lord and Answered Promise look to be the principles in this moderate Handicap, and we will side with Forever My Lord. The selection finished last on this track when last seen out in November but he is returning to his optimum trip here, and as he is capable of going well fresh, he looks the one to beat in a decidedly modest affair. Answered Promise could represent the main danger as he ran a fair race when sixth to Bank On Him on this track last month. He has the useful 3lb claimer Robert Miles in the plate this afternoon and that leaves him on a handy mark, so he has to be respected. Shaman is a course and distance winner who is reverting to the flat after a spell over hurdles, and he is another that could go well on the pick of his flat form, while Mister Clinton would have decent prospects if he could get anywhere near his best form, but he is been badly out of touch of late. This will not take a great deal of winning, and Forever My Lord is given the nomination.