chased leaders, went 2nd over 3f out, until 2f out soon weakened
took keen hold, always in rear, lost touch 6f out, tailed off
chased leaders, ridden when hampered on bend 3f out, stayed on same pace final 2f
made all, clear 4f out, unchallenged, very easily
held up in rear, ridden and struggling over 6f out, tailed off
took keen hold in touch, plugged on final 2f, never going pace to get competitors
chased winner until over 4f out, weakened rapidly, tailed off
took keen hold, always in rear, lost touch over 6f out, tailed off
chased leaders, went 2nd and edged left final 2f, no chance with winner
chased leaders, ridden 3f out, soon weakened
Divy is the probable favourite and we wouldn't put anyone off him but FOREST RHYTHM ran a fine race on debut and receives our vote. Divy came within an ace of landing a gamble on debut at Stratford although he may have been flattered to have finished so close as the winning rider had a few problems. They were clear of the third who didn't really advertise the form when filling the same position at Bangor at the weekend. Annie Confidential hails from the same yard as the third so support for her chances would look significant but her run at Ludlow was only fair at best. Ridley Taylor is bred for a test of stamina so he should be suited by this longer trip as should Sylroy as she was doing all of her best work in the closing stages over two miles at Southwell. The selection made his debut over this course and distance when keeping on well to finish third behind Latin America who went on to finish down the field at the Cheltenham Festival. That form looks rock solid and we'll take Forest Rhythm to give it a boost by scoring here.
Adamo (GER) 50-1 (10-11) Chased leaders, ridden over 3f out, soon weakened, 8th of 13, well behind City Theatre (11-2) at Fontwell 2m 2f nhf (6) gs.
Forest Rhythm (IRE) 20-1 (11-0) Pulled hard, tracked leaders, ridden 4f out, challenging for 2nd when hung right inside final furlong, kept on, 3rd of 12, 2 1/2l behind Latin America (10-7) at Fontwell 2m 2f nhf (6) gd in Feb.
Annie Confidential (IRE) 16-1 (10-11) Mid-division, lost place halfway, stayed on again, 6th of 16, 21l behind King of Leon (11-4) at Ludlow 2m nhf (4) gs in Dec.
Divy (FR) 7-1 (10-8) Tracked winner throughout, ridden over 1f out, every chance inside final furlong, no extra, 2nd of 14, nk behind Frascati Park (11-7) at Stratford 2m nhf (6) gd.
Newsday (IRE) 100-1 (10-10) Always towards rear, 7th of 12, 35l behind Latin America (10-7) at Fontwell 2m 2f nhf (6) gd in Feb.
Presenting Diva (IRE) 20-1 (10-3) Prominent, went 2nd 8f out, until weakened over 3f out, 6th of 7, 21l behind Aimigayle (10-0) at Plumpton 2m 2f mdn nhf (6) gd in Mar '07.
Ridley Taylor 11-1 (10-13) Always prominent, chased winner 4f out, no chance final 2f, 2nd of 9, 10l behind Gentle Caribou (11-2) at Towcester 2m mrs nhf (5) hvy in Feb.
Classic Pearl 100-1 (10-0) Always towards rear, tailed off, last of 12, well behind Latin America (10-7) at Fontwell 2m 2f nhf (6) gd in Feb.
Mist Chances Fraam filly out of Schizo-Phonic.
Sylroy 50-1 (9-13) Held up towards rear, ridden over 4f out, kept on from over 1f out, 6th of 11, 4l behind Miss Overdrive (10-11) at Southwell 2m mrs nhf (5) gd.
Joli Al 20-1 (10-13) Always behind, struggling final 4f, tailed off, 7th of 9, well behind J'Adhere (10-9) at Folkestone 2m 1f nhf (6) gs in Feb.