towards rear, ridden over 2f out, never nearer
held up, always in rear
close up, led 2f out, ridden out
tracked leaders, ridden over 2f out, kept on one pace
pulled hard, soon led, ridden and headed 2f out, stayed on one pace
close up, ridden to chase winner over 1f out, stayed on inside final furlong
keen, held up, lost place over 3f out, ridden and headway over 1f out, stayed on inside final furlong
held up, ridden 3f out, weakened 2f out
chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
held up, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
slowly into stride, always in rear
held up, ridden and headway 3f out, weakened over 1f out
close up, ridden and chased leaders over 2f out, kept on one pace
The 6lb penalty that Quantum Leap has to carry for winning a handicap over course and distance on Wednesday may just anchor Simon Dow's six-year-old and we prefer to side with Carrowdore, who gets the vote over Paragon Of Virtue. The selection was not suited by the slow pace when finishing strongly and just failing to catch Annishirani over course and distance at the beginning of the month. A 3lb rise for that is fair and Richard Hannon's colt looks the safest option. Paragon Of Virtue is similarly consistent but may be better over slightly further. College Delinquent has claims off his lightweight but is far from certain to stay the 1m2f trip and of more interest is Analyze, who returns to the flat having failed to sparkle over hurdles of late. Priors Dale and Ryan's Future are others worthy of a mention but we are happy to side with Carrowdore, who holds solid claims and deserves to win a race of this nature.