raced wide towards rear, some late headway, never dangerous
led, ridden and headed 2f out, soon eased
chased leaders, ridden and led inside final furlong, caught post
slowly into stride, held up in rear, ridden and headway over 1f out, stayed on, not reach leaders
slowly into stride, soon mid-division, headway 2f out, driven inside final furlong, led post
mid-division, ridden halfway, weakened well over 1f out
held up towards rear, ridden and headway over 1f out, nearest finish
slow into stride, wide and towards rear, never dangerous
mid-division, ridden over 2f out, never dangerous
chased leaders, ridden 2f out, every chance final furlong, weakened close home
A real headscratcher of a handicap. Only One Legend has been in great heart of late and confirmed his recent success with a decent second in a Nottingham handicap. He seems to cope well with carrying big weights but seems a tricky ride and without Kieren Fallon on board, it may be worth opposing him. At the bottom of the weights, Zinging is another to have recently won at the track. That victory came over seven furlongs and with today's trip one furlong less - he will need to be producing a career best effort to get into the shake up. Bali-Star lost no caste in defeat to Contrary Mary at Folkestone. The form has been let down since and with Ron Hodges representative exposed at claiming level on this surface, we will oppose. Lucayan Monarch is watched in the market in case anything is anticipated by his shrewd handler. With Cargo better over five furlongs and D'Accord returning from absence, we will plump for Legal Set. Whilst it is true that front-runners have a modest record at the track, with the lack of any other proven front-runners and the need for a lot of these to be delivered late, there is every chance that Fergal Lynch could slip the field and fend off challengers close home.
