dwelt, soon in touch, ridden over 2f out, weakened approaching final furlong
tracked leaders, ridden over 2f out, kept on one pace final furlong
towards rear, never dangerous
held up in mid-division, headway 3f out, ridden to lead well over 1f out, kept on
mid-division, headway when not clear run 2f out, no extra final furlong
in touch, ridden over 2f out, kept on same pace final furlong
towards rear, headway over 2f out, ridden to chase winner approaching final furlong, kept on same pace
towards rear, never dangerous
led, ridden and headed over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
tracked leaders, ridden over 3f out, weakened over 2f out
mid-division, pushed along over 3f out, kept on one pace final 2f
tracked leaders, led over 2f out, headed well over 1f out, weakened
tracked leaders, ridden over 2f out, weakened final furlong
Worthwhile form is short in abundance and Xanadu can see off Smith N Allan Oils and Kirkby's Treasure. Linda Perratt's sprinters are hardly the most prolific of beasts but Xanadu dropped a heavy hint behind stablemate, Friar Tuck at Hamilton and with fast ground and a good draw today, we believe he won't be too far away at the finish. Smith N Allan Oils was disappointing here two weeks ago but had shown improved form on the all-weather prior. Kirkby's Treasure ran well in a Carlisle claimer and while he did this at unfavourable weights; he is not the most consistent and the ground is significantly quicker here. Border Artist won this contest last year and is still three pounds higher despite a string of modest efforts since. Mon Secret and Dispol Peto are inconsistent although not without chances if putting their best hoof forward. Xanadu gets the vote.