held up, headway 3f out, stayed on final furlong, nearest finish
dwelt, keen, headway over 5f out, ridden and weakened 2f out
slowly into stride, towards rear, never nearer
tracked leader, ridden and every chance from over 1f out, ran on
tracked leader, ridden over 2f out, kept on same pace
held up, headway over 2f out, stayed on, never nearer
led, ridden and headed over 1f out, weakened
chased leaders, ridden 3f out, kept on same pace
slowly into stride, towards rear, never dangerous
in touch, ridden over 2f out, stayed on
slowly into stride, soon outpaced, ran green
chased leaders, ridden 5f out, weakened 3f out
held up, headway 3f out, led over 1f out, headed inside final furlong, no extra
held up, headway and edged right over 1f out, led inside final furlong, ran on
in touch, ridden over 2f out, hampered over 1f out, kept on one pace
slowly into stride, soon chased leaders, soon ridden, weakened halfway
This race has produced the likes of Millennium Dragon and Malhub in recent years and the first handful home are usually worth following. This year's running will probably be no exception and proceedings should be viewed with an eye to the future. However, with a high draw in his favour, Gravardlax just edges the vote of those with previous experience and the son of Salse is marginally preferred to Mr Tambourine Man out of those with previous experience - whilst Pivotal colt Strider is obviously one to monitor for support as he represents last season's winning trainer and jockey pairing in this event. Secret Charm, a half-sister to the high-class Relish The Thought, is another to look out for in the betting, but with experience and a good draw on his side, Gravardlax is the one to side with here. He is bred to appreciate a little further in time but his debut run at Yarmouth was a most encouraging debut and, with Pat Eddery booked for the ride, he can strike for his in-form yard.
