held up, kept on final 2f, no chance
tracked leader, led 4f out, ridden clear 2f out, driven and in no danger final furlong
held up in rear, pushed along over 4f out, never a factor
dwelt, behind and never a factor
led to 4f out, soon ridden, weakened over 2f out
tracked clear leading pair, went 2nd 3f out, stayed on under pressure from over 1f out, no impression on winner when bumped inside final furlong, lost 2nd near finish
held up and always behind
held up and well of pace, ridden and headway over 2f out, soon out paced
held up and well off pace, never a factor
Last years winner Adiemus will make a bold bid to follow up, but he has no easy task trying to give weight to some useful performers. However, he has plenty going for him, non more so than proven ability over course and distance and he will be all the sharper for his outing here last month. He looked to have been given plenty to do when finishing just behind Kirovski and Brilliant Red in that event and he can turn the tables on the latter, even on 1lb worse terms. Sharmy has been in good form here over the winter and in receipt of 12lbs off Adiemus, he is sure to play a big part. Ian Williams' seven-year-old was beaten less than two lengths by Adiemus in the Winter Derby last year, off level weights, so he has an obvious chance to come out on top this time. David Loder has made an earlier start than normal and sets a poser here by saddling two runners. With Reason achieved little when hacking up in a moderate maiden at Wolverhampton and the runner-up in that event struggled to win a poor race at Southwell. However, he is open to plenty of improvement and must not be underestimated, but the first choice from that yard has to be Parasol. He was thought good enough last year to take his chance in the 2,000 Guineas, where he wasn't disgraced even though he was well beaten in the end. He ended up last year by finishing runner-up to the more than useful Island House in a Listed event, with several decent performers trailing. If anywhere near that form he would have every chance, but he hasn't looked a straightforward ride and a watching brief is advised. Indian Creek is a genuine individual and kept company with some of the best around last term, taking in races such as the Tattersalls Gold Cup, the Prince Of Wales's Stakes, the Eclipse, Juddmonte International, Champion Stakes and finishing up in the Hong Kong Cup, all Group 1's. This is a big drop in class for him and he is taken to outclass his rivals. Stablemate Pawnbroker, who is useful in his own right, if somewhat frustrating, will presumably be used as a pacemaker to ensure there is no hanging around.
