led, ridden 3f out, headed approaching final furlong, no extra towards finish
tracked leader, ridden and weakened over 3f out
tracked leaders, ridden over 2f out, led approaching final furlong, stayed on strongly
held up in touch, headway 5f out, effort 3f out, weakened approaching final furlong
held up in rear, headway over 2f out, every chance over 1f out, onepaced under pressure
held up in rear, pushed along over 3f out, headway 2f out, switched left then effort entering final furlong, kept on under pressure
held up towards rear, pushed along over 3f out, soon beaten
towards rear, headway 3f out, effort 2f out, weakened final furlong
Another very competitive renewal but the percentage call is to side with Gralmano over this trip, with last season's Old Newton Cup winner, Sun Bird, Parachute and Virgin Soldier the obvious dangers. Gralmano likes to race up with the pace and is suited by a stern test; factors which should be in place with Virgin Soldier a likely candidate for the pacesetting role. The eight-year-old's proven stamina swings the vote in his favour today. A strong pace suits the Dick Allan-trained Sun Bird and he could also find things unfolding to suit his style of racing. But he has struggled over this trip over hurdles and may do so again today. Parachute is likely to be very well supported and a is one to monitor in the betting. But it is still a little early for Sir Mark Prescott to have his string in top gear and he may be best watched on this first try at two miles in this company.