hld up, hdw 4f out, rdn and e.c 2f out, hld wh n.m.r over 1f out, sn eased
hld up, hdw on i.s 2f out, rdn and n.m.r over 1f out, styd on i.s fl f
stdd st, hld up, hdw over 2f out, rdn to ld i.s fl f, r.o
prom, led over 3f out, rdn and hdd i.s fl f, not qn
raced keen trkg ldrs, ef and e.c wh hung left over 1f out, one pace i.s fl f
raced keen in tch, led over 6f out, rdn and hdd over 3f out, sn btn
led, hdd over 6f out, wknd 3f out
This looks a good opportunity for Lagudin, who is a confident TEAMtalk selection on his second start on the equitrack. Given far too much to do from the rear when beaten only a length by Beauchamp Pilot, he would not even need to reproduce that sort of effort to pick up the first prize here. Herodotus is one who possesses nearly as much ability as the selection, but has been badly out of form of late. However, in the plus column the Zafonic gelding has a 12 furlong course win to his name from earlier in the year, though it would be a bit of a surprise if he were to rediscover the winning touch on this occasion. On the other hand, Brilliant Red is bang in form, after a narrow defeat here over 12 furlongs and then a course and distance win last time out. Off the same mark here, he could give the selection most to think about but should not be good enough off level weights. Oakley Rambo is stepped up considerably in trip here after contesting races over 7f and a mile all year. A Newbury handicap winner on fast ground, he is not without ability, but again it would be a surprise if he were good enough here. A place looks to be his best hope. Top weight Broadway Score is another who has place claims, and has a 10f win under his belt already, though that was as long ago as April. A recent heavy ground defeat at Bremen can be dismissed, and a reproduction of his one length sixth at Longchamp in October would probably see him involved.