tracked leaders, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
held up, ridden and headway over 2f out, soon one pace
held up mid-division, headway over 2f out, every chance inside final furlong, kept on well
held up, ridden over 3f out, stayed on inside final furlong, never nearer
mid-division, headway over 3f out, edged right over 1f out, driven to lead inside final furlong, all out
led, ridden and headed over 1f out, weakened quickly
tracked leaders, led over 1f out, ridden and headed inside final furlong, no extra
in touch, weakened well over 2f out
always behind, eased final 3f
mid-division, ridden and headway over 2f out, kept on same pace
held up, headway over 1f out, stayed on final furlong
prominent, joined leader over 4f out, ridden and weakened over 2f out
Nonrunner
A solid vote here goes to Flamboyant Lad, with Tartouche and Peak Of Perfection rated his biggest dangers, with High Action one to keep an eye on. The Barry Hills-trained selection caught the eye on his seasonal return when, having met trouble in running, he stayed on well at the finish. He had left the impression last season that he was a horse to stay on the right side of at four, and we will stick with that view today. Tartouche won nicely over course and distance on his seasonal return and, with a four-pound ratings rise not looking excessive, he can go well again, while Peak Of Perfection proved himself tough last year, a quality that will serve him well again this time around and, whatever he does today, he should win a race or two during the campaign. There are some familiar names in the line-up today. including Royal Cavalier, although he might need the run. while Vaughan should improve as the season goes on but Camrose, Secretary General and Wait For The Will were behind Tartouche at Newmarket last time. Anousa seems to have paid for winning a Listed race over further than today's trip last season, but High Action is conceivably well-handicapped on the the best of last season's form and is another that should pay his way this time around. Odiham is possibly one to keep an eye on in the betting but, for the winner, we will stay with Flamboyant Lad.
