always prominent, led approaching 2f out, hard driven and headed final 100 yards, held when carried right well inside final furlong
held up in touch, ridden and headway 3f out, chased leader over 1f out, stayed on final 100 yards, edged right well inside final furlong
slowly into stride, held up last, effort on wide outside 2f out, one pace and no impression over 1f out
chased leaders, driven and hung left over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong
held up in touch, switched right over 1f out, ran on to chase leaders final furlong
set good pace, headed approaching 2f out, weakened quickly
keen, in touch, no impression over 1f out, never dangerous after
chased leaders, ridden and close up over 1f out, weakened final furlong
held up in touch, outpaced final 2f
chased leaders for 8f, tailed off
This valuable handicap has produced a very good line-up and, from a shortlist containing Compton Bolter, Skidmark, Linning Wine, Lygeton Lad and possibly Santando, we will opt for Compton Bolter. Much as Compton Bolter is three pounds worse off for the length he beat Linning Wine at Wolverhampton last time, at this distance and on this surface, we prefer Compton Bolter, who is pretty decent on his day. Skidmark also showed decent form at best last season and is the type to improve again this year, while Howle Hill is better known as a hurdler these days but his Flat form of 2003/2003 was not too bad atall. Lygeton Lad is a multiple winner here, but at seven and eight furlongs, although he has won from higher than his current mark. Finally, Much as Santando has generally lost his way in the last 12 months, the fitting of first-time blinkers could have a positive effect, but, overall, we like the look of Compton Bolter in this valuable contest.
