held up, took closer order halfway, ridden to chase leaders 2f out, kept on final furlong
always behind
mid-division, headway 3f out, ridden to chase leaders 1f out, no impression final furlong
tracked leader, pushed along 4f out, led 2f out, soon ridden, stayed on final furlong
behind, some headway 4f out, weakened 2f out
raced gamely, tracked leaders, outpaced 2f out, soon ridden, weakened
held up mid-division, outpaced 4f out, headway 2f out, soon ridden, kept on towards finish
mid-division, lost place over 4f out, soon behind
raced gamely, tracked leaders, ridden 2f out, soon weakened
led, quickened 4f out, ridden and headed 2f out, soon weakened
switched right soon after start, behind, kept on final 2f, never on terms
Despite the fact that some of the northern yards have been held up in their work due to inclement weather recently, Mark Johnston looks to hold the key to this with Mana D'argent heading the weights and being in there as a possible pace-setter for the unexposed Swift Sailor, who would not have to be anything out of the ordinary to make his handicap debut a winning one today. Nounou and Sualda are others to consider when the best of their form is taken into account. The latter has gone well at this track in the past and does not have too much to find to get competitive. Richard Fahey's charge has been kept fit by a spell over hurdles and is one to seriously consider if his claims attract interest from the betting market. Nounou, who was also seen over timber during the winter, held his form well at the turn of the year and is developing into a capable stayer in this sort of grade. The son of Starborough is a versatile sort and if he acts on this galloping track he can easily make the frame to at least pay for the travelling expenses up from Newmarket. Into The Shadows is another that is worth a mention, as she is unexposed on the Flat. However, she faces no easy task in this company and, as she lacks a change of gear, she may find at least one has her measure when the race begins in earnest. Swift Sailor being the first one to look at for us. The Maktoum Al Maktoum-owned gelding was far too good for some fair types when he was last seen out, when he created the impression that he would be ideally suited by a step up in trip. Mark Johnston excels in this area of racing and the Middleham-based maestro is expected to be heading to the winners enclosure once more if all goes to plan for Swift Sailor this afternoon.
