tracked leaders, switched right 2f out, soon one pace
led until headed 4f out, soon faded
slowly into stride, mid-division, headway 5f out, ridden over 3f out, stayed on under pressure to lead last strides
pulled hard, mid-division, headway over 4f out, weakening when hampered over 2f out
in touch until weakened over 3f out
held on mid-division, ridden over 3f out, no impression
held up, ridden over 3f out, headway over 2f out, kept on same pace final furlong
held up, headway over 6f out, chased leaders over 3f out, weakened inside final furlong
prominent, led 4f out, soon ridden and headed, weakened final furlong
held up, headway over 2f out, stayed on final furlong
tracked leaders, led over 3f out, soon ridden, headed and no extra close home
always behind
Fletcher has beaten better opposition than this in the past and looks the answer over the likes of Toledo Sun, Doctor John and Royale Pearl. This banded stakes race should be well within the grasp of Fletcher, who although a light of former days, showed by his win at Lingfield last month that the old flame still flickers. Hugh Morrison's veteran gained his last victory on Turf two years ago at Salisbury, but with conditions here on the fast side and with Kieren Fallon on board, he will be strongly fancied to add to his tally. Toledo Sun opened his account at Wolverhampton a fortnight ago and has enough stamina to be in at the business end as well. Mick Fitzgerald rode him over hurdles at Ludlow the time before and reported that he really needs a trip so he will be going back over timber and indeed fences in time. Doctor John is yet another all-weather winner who has a bit to prove against the selection, while Royale Pearl shaped like another out-and-out stayer when opening his account at Lingfield. All those mentioned have shown that they can at least win in minor company, but Fletcher has that bit more class than the rest and is the one to side with.
