raced far side akdn keen, chased winner, ridden halfway, one -pace
raced far side, held up, switched left halfway, never dangerous
raced far side, chased leaders, ridden and weakened well over 1f out
switched left start, raced far side, made all, ridden clear over 1f out, ran on
held up far side, ridden and headway over 1f out, not reach winner
held up stand side, ridden halfway, stayed on final furlong, not trouble leaders
stumbled start, raced in rear, kept on, never troubled leaders
raced far side, chased leaders, ridden halfway, weakened final furlong
raced stand side, chased leader, ridden and hung left over 1f out, stayed on
raced stand side, hampered start, soon in touch, ridden halfway, gradually weakened
raced far side, dwelt, chased leaders, ridden and weakened halfway
raced stand side, chased leaders, ridden halfway, weakened approaching final furlong
raced far side, chased winner, ridden halfway, weakened final furlong
led stand side group, ridden halfway, weakened final furlong
slowly into stride, raced stand side, towards rear, headway over 1f out, not reach leaders
chased leaders stand side, ridden halfway, weakened over 1f out
A moderate contest to start proceedings but a fairly competitive one nonetheless and the tentative vote goes to Ridicule ahead of Eastern Blue, Mizhar and Formeric. The John Portman-trained Ridicule was well placed to win twice last term and remains on a fair mark being just 2lb higher than on the second occasion. The son of Piccolo shaped as though returning to form when fourth at Leicester last time and is fully effective at this longer trip so should take plenty of beating. Eastern Blue comes here in excellent form after a comfortable success at Nottingham last week and looks a big danger despite a 7lb penalty. Mizhar lifted a Pontefract seller last month and confirmed his well being when placed in a competitive sprint handicap next time so has to be on the short list while Formeric ended last term in style and is fairly treated for his seasonal return but may just need the outing.