chased leaders, weakening when hampered 2f out
raced freely, led, pushed 4 lengths clear 2f out, weakened and headed just inside final furlong
in touch on outside, ridden 3f out, soon behind
ridden from start and behind, stayed on from over 1f out, no impression
(raced without tougue strap) held up in rear, good headway on inside from 3f out, chased leader over 1f out, led just inside final furlong, stayed on well
held up in mid-division, effort going well 3f out, soon ridden and found nil, beaten 2f out
behind, effort on wide outside 3f out, stayed on same pace final 2f
bolted to post, reared start, pulled hard and soon in mid-division, no headway final 3f
chased leader, went 2nd 3f out to over 2f out, weakened quickly
There are a few to consider here, including Armatore, Elzees, Sneem's Rock and Stroller, but our vote goes to Armatore. Armatore's second to Arran Scout at Wolverhampton last time was a respectable effort, and he acts here. Overall, that rates as better form than Kabeer's second to Stroller over course and distance last time. However, both have to be considered. Day One drops back in trip after a one-paced display at Wolverhampton. Gravardlax has had plenty of chances and is now tried in a first-time eyeshield, while Elzees seems to be improving, but has to keep that impression going to feature today. He could well do that and King Of Knight is another who looks to have a small race in him but, once again, has to find five or six pounds more than we have seen from him thus far to score. Sneem's Rock has a length-and-a-half to find on Armatore on recent course and distance form but met trouble in running on that occasion and could well get involved today. Finally, Miss Monica has two-and-a-half lengths to find with Armatore on recent Wolverhampton form. All in all, it makes for an interesting and pretty tight affair, with Armatore getting a narrow vote.