tracked leaders, ridden and effort 2f out, no extra final furlong
in touch, ridden to chase leaders over 2f out, soon weakened
held up, ridden and headway to challenge when bumped 2f out, led inside final furlong, headed and one pace final 100 yards
led, headed 2f out, soon ridden, weakened inside final furlong
mid-division, ridden and weakened over 2f out
mid-division on inside, switched outside and headway 3f out, ridden and hung left 2f out, kept on
tracked leader, ridden and lost place over 2f out, soon weakened
mid-division, headway 3f out, ridden and kept on over 1f out, never troubled leaders
in touch, lost place halfway, soon behind
held up towards rear, never dangerous
prominent, ridden 3f out, led 2f out, headed inside final furlong, rallied to lead again final 100 yards
John Forbes is picked in the feature with Rooftop Protest and Mister Right on the shortlist. John Forbes has been a beacon of light for the Brian Ellison camp over the winter is equally adept under both codes of racing. He won over two miles on heavy going at the track but has had enough speed in the past to show solid form over shorter. Rooftop Protest has given connections plenty of fun over the years and is always thereabouts when the big prizes are being handed out. If the money is down, it should not be ignored. Mister Right has ability but also has the tendency to pull hard in his races. If he can be settled early, he has a big chance but punters will not know their fate until the race is off. Rule for Ever knows how to win here and is likely to attempt to make all. Joe Fanning is particularly suited to the front-running rides and he is aboard this afternoon. Protective has been highly tried in the past and needs soft going. Calatagan is a quirky individual who is with some ability if he can be persuaded from the saddle to show it. A wide-open renewal and John Forbes can land this for the Ellison team.
Protective 100-1 (8-1) Towards rear, never a factor, last of 21, well behind Come On Jonny (8-0) at Doncaster 1m 4f hcp 0-110 (2) hvy in Nov.
Rooftop Protest (IRE) 10-1 (9-2) Disputed lead, ridden entering straight, headed and weakened 2f out, eased final furlong, 14th of 24, 34l behind Tipper Road (7-13) at Curragh 1m 4f hcp 0-95 gs.
Annambo 16-1 (8-9) Tracked leader, led 3f out, headed over 1f out, one pace, 4th of 7, 7l behind Young Mick (8-8) at Yarmouth 1m 3f hcp 0-90 (3) gf in Mar.
Trance (IRE) 7-2 (9-12) Held up, ridden over 4f out, soon beaten, 8th of 11, 44l behind John Forbes (8-12) at Musselburgh 2m hcap (4) hvy in Mar.
John Forbes 16-1 (8-12) Soon led, ridden 3f out, kept on well, won at Musselburgh 2m hcap (4) hvy in Mar beating Hernando's Boy (9-2) by 8l, 11 ran.
Mister Right (IRE) 15-2 (9-1) Slowly into stride, pulled hard, soon mid-division, ridden and effort over 1f out, weakened final furlong, 6th of 12, 5l behind Young Mick (8-10) at Kempton 1m 4f hcap (5) pol in Mar.
Rule For Ever 10-3 (9-1) In touch, driven over 3f out, weakened over 1f out, 8th of 11, 11l behind Aristi (8-7) at Pontefract 2m 2f hcp 0-75 (5) gs in Oct.
Calatagan (IRE) 4-1 (8-12) Mid-division, headway over 2f out, soon ridden, stayed on to go 2nd inside final furlong, no chance with winner, 2nd of 9, 5l behind Leslingtaylor (7-13) at Catterick 1m 4f hcp 0-75 (5) gf in Oct.
