slowly into stride, outpaced
raced wide, in touch, ridden 2f out, stayed on same pace
tracked leaders, ridden 2f out, stayed on to lead post
slowly into stride, towards rear, headway over 1f out, ridden and stayed on inside final furlong, not reach leaders
made most, ridden and edged left 2f out, caught post
with leader, ridden and edged left 2f out, every chance from over 1f out, unable to quicken close home
with leader, beaten when hampered 2f out
Siraj can get back recent losses, with Laurel Dawn and Goodwood Prince two of his main dangers. Siraj quickly took to the Polytrack, scoring on his first visit a year ago, and also picked up a race at Pontefract in the summer. His form went off the boil a little in the autumn but the application of first-time blinkers nearly brought about the desired effect when he was touched off by Mistral Sky here three weeks ago. The drop back to five furlongs seemed to suit him that day, and another bold bid is on the cards. Laurel Dawn has won twice over the course and distance but has not raced here for some time. Runner-up at Southwell last time, the return to this faster, tighter track should suit the five-year-old. Simon Dow has his all-weather team in good form at present, indeed he had a double on Wednesday, so Goodwood Prince should not present, indeed he had a double on Wednesday, so Goodwood Prince should not be left out of calculations. He improved on only the second of two outings so far on the Polytrack when eighth to Compton Banker and remains well handicapped compared to his turf rating. He can make the frame at least, but our idea of the winner is Siraj.
