slowly into stride, held up in rear, pushed along 3f out, effort and wide outside over 1f out, stayed on
soon outpaced and ridden along towards rear, never dangerous
chased leaders, ridden 2f out, led just inside final furlong, hard driven and caught last stride
held up in rear, nowhere to go from over 1f out, not recover
led to approaching final furlong, weakend rapidly
chased leaders, ridden 2f out, weakened final furlong
held up in mid-division, effort 2f out, kept on under pressure final furlong, never nearer
held up towards rear, headway 2f out, effort and wide outside over 1f out, hard driven final furlong, stayed on to lead last stride
close-up, driven to press leaders approaching final furlong, one pace under pressure
chased leader, ridden over 2f out, led approaching final furlong, headed just inside final furlong, weakened
held up in mid-division, effort on outer and kept on under pressure final furlong
in touch, hard-ridden 2f out, no extra approaching final furlong
A competitive handicap in which we will go for Gun Salute over Fiamma Royale, Karaoke King and Park Star. The selection has twice won over course and distance, albeit it never in handicaps. However, the switch to Gary Moore's stable has produced two wins in four outings and he can continue to progress off what looks a reasonable mark. Fiamma Royale is the only other course and distance winner in the line-up and is now back to the mark at which she won. Also, three of her six career wins have come in February. Karaoke King is well weighted based on his Salisbury win in August and has gone well here, a similar comment applying to Park Star. Blessed Place's sole career win came over five but from a three-pound higher mark, although his best form has come at the minimum trip. Regal Song is another to be well-weighted based on his best Turf form but his sole outing on the Polytrack revealed little. A Teen has Kieren Fallon booked but he has a little to find with the selection working on lines through Prince Aaron. Tamarella should strip fitter following a recent run here but, strictly speaking, also has some thing to find on the selection using Prince Aaron as a yardstick. Inching has ability but remains a maiden after 19 starts. Pips Song seems best at Wolverhampton, while Doctor Dennis is well handicapped based on form of three years ago but has not won since June 2001. Overall, then, and so long as he does not become worked up before the contest, Gun Salute can land the card's finale.
