led, quickened pace 6th, not fluent 8th, ridden after 3 out, headed after next, one pace when hit last
tracked leader, ridden after 3 out, led after next, stayed on strongly
tracked leaders, reminders and outpaced 8th, no impression from 3 out
held up, headway to chase leaders 5th, ridden after 3 out, weakened next
tracked leaders, ridden 3 out, went poor 3rd next when weakening
always towards rear, lost place after 7th, quickly weakened and pulled up after next
held up in rear and keen, ridden 9th, soon weakened
Ballyshan already knows what to do when he gets his head in front and his proven stamina gives him an edge over Atlantic Jane and Champion's Day; while Beau de Turgeon has something to find with the selection judging by their encounter at Wetherby. The last named has shown ability though and rates as a fair value selection to make the frame. Champion's Day was a Group-Three winner on the Flat in Germany and is steadily getting the hang of things in this sphere of racing. However, he may be better off in handicaps from his current rating and it will be no surprise to see him find a race before too long. Atlantic Jane surprised her connections by winning at Ludlow in January and has subsequently switched to Sue Smith's yard. She shapes as if she will be suited by the step to three miles and will be staying on when others have cried enough if she runs to form. However, Ballyshan is a dour stayer that will not surrender without a fight. He has already proved that he is suited by a good test and has everything in his favour this afternoon.
Ballyshan (IRE) 5-2fav (11-6) Held up in touch, headway to lead approaching 3 out, soon clear, easily, won at Chepstow 3m mdn hdl (5) sft in Jan beating Kildonnan (11-6) by 7l, 15 ran.
Atlantic Jane 40-1 (11-2) In touch, lost place 6th, rallied 3 out, stayed on to lead run-in, won at Ludlow 2m 5f mrs mdn hdl (4) gd in Jan beating Samandara (11-2) by 1 1/2l, 16 ran.
Beau de Turgeon (FR) 4-1 (11-7) Held up, hit 8th, weakened next, 7th of 14, 34l behind Supreme's Legacy (11-7) at Wetherby 2m 7f nh mdn hdl (5) sft in Jan.
Cayman Calypso (IRE) 50-1 (11-5) Held up, hit 3rd, headway 5th, every chance approaching 3 out, weakened quickly, 8th of 13, 40l behind Brumous (11-10) at Leicester 2m 4f nov hdl (3) hvy in Jan.
Champion's Day (GER) 33-1 (10-12) Held up, not fluent 1st, pushed along when mistake 3 out, not fluent 2 out, never troubled leaders, 9th of 15, 15l behind Secured (10-12) at Ludlow 2m 5f nov hdl (4) gf in Jan.
Curate (USA) 40-1 (9-3) Held up in rear, ridden over 3f out, weakened over 2f out, tailed off, last of 6, well behind Eton (9-3) at York 1m 2f clm (D) gf in Jun '04 (Flat).
Mange Tout (IRE) 50-1 (11-1) Held up, ridden 4 out, weakened next, 4th of 9, well behind Unjust Law (11-1) at Fakenham 2m nh nov hdl (4) gd in Jan.
