mid-division, lost place after 9th, pushed along 11th, blundered 15th, kept on flat
prominent, reminders 14th, weakened quickly, pulled up before 3 out
held up, ridden after 3 out, kept on, no chance with winner
chased leaders, hit 7th, blundered next, reminders after 9th, behind when pulled up before 4 out
led to 14th, ridden approaching 2 out, weakened flat
led 14th, clear approaching last, easily
Most of the field have something to prove in one way or another and caution may be the best policy here. Thrill A Minute would have a strong chance in this company if he ran up to something like his best but his failure to complete in his last three outings is off-putting. Therefore the betting ring will probably give the best indication as to wether he is primed for his reappearance. The Eens also has claims if this develops into something of a slog - but needs the heavens to open for his chance to be increased. Aircon has shown his best over a shorter trip and although he is likely to be prominent in the market, he still has to prove his stamina over this distance. So with Altregan Boy impossible to fancy as he bids to end his four-year losing run, Red Emperor and Bold King are the two to concentrate on. The former is not the most predictable of characters and seems to reserve his best for a galloping track (especially Newcastle), which does temper the confidence today. Leaving Bold King to carry the TEAMtalk hopes as the nature of the course may suit him a little better if he can get a good lead.
