disputed lead, weakened well over 1f out
tracked leaders, ridden and effort over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong
towards rear, never dangerous
mid-division, headway over 2f out, ridden to challenge inside final furlong, one pace
mid-division, ridden halfway, weakened over 2f out
always behind, soon outpaced
went left start, chased leaders, ridden to challenge over 2f out, every chance over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong
in touch, not clear run over 1f out, switched right, ran on inside final furlong, not reach winner
disputed lead, led halfway, headed and weakened final furlong
behind, some late headway, nearest finish
hampered start, chased leaders, ridden halfway, kept on same pace final furlong
Plenty of exposed sorts here, but one who is not is Emarati's Image. Relatively unexposed compared to most of his rivals, he ran away with a heavy-ground 5f handicap off 33 last August and it would be no surprise to see a big run now back under his preferred conditions, despite being 4lb out of the handicap. He is taken to score. Tim Easterby's string have been taking one or two runs to get going and therefore the defeat of Alexander Ballet last time is not too worrying. A better effort is anticipated here, though he may just need this one before being fully tuned up. Sprint king 'Dandy' Nicholls saddles Hawk, who may not want the ground too soft, but looks capable and should not be ruled out. The same can be said of Blessingindisguise, who has won off a 6lb higher mark than this and therefore comes into consideration, but the fact that the ground is against him means he is overlooked here. Of the rest, Acorazado will run if there is further ease in the ground, and if he turns up then he is one for the short list. His only career success came over C&D on soft ground as a juvenile. However, he missed most of last year and still has a bit to prove.
