keen hold on inside, ridden to lead briefly for 1f out, headed and not quicken
prominent, pushed along 3f out and soon beaten
slow into stride and behind, stayed on under pressure, final furlong never nearer
in touch, outpaced and lost place over 3f out, headway over 1f out, ran on
chased leaders, led 3f out, headed over 1f out, losing place when eased well inside final furlong
raced wide, hard ridden 2f out, kept on same pace
in mid-division, hard ridden and no impression final 2f
narrow lead to 3f out, weakened rapidly
slow into stride, held up in rear, headway 2f out, stayed on under pressure final furlong, no chance with winner
started slowly, in touch after 2f, effort on inside rail when hampered and snatched up when 1f out, no chance after
Some moderate performers on show in an uninspiring contest in which it should pay to follow those with recent winning form and with that in mind Hamlyn gets a tentative vote. John Quinn's gelding came late on the scene to land a sprint handicap at Wolverhampton last week and can defy a 6lb penalty. The step up in trip looks sure to suit judged on the way he finished at Dunstall Park and there may still be a little improvement to come from the son of Lure. Nick Littmoden continues in tremendous form on the all-weather tracks and Bullfighter is respected but the top weight now appears to be in the grip of the handicapper following his victory over this trip at Wolverhampton last month. Firework landed a seller at the same venue on his penultimate start but was well held in similar company on a return visit next time and faces no easy task on these terms. Nineacres has been a fine stable servant down the years but is well in to the veteran stage of his racing career and is held by the selection on their running last week.