tracked leader, ridden over 2f out, led just inside final furlong, soon headed and no extra
mid-division, ridden over 2f out, headway over 1f out, soon no impression
led, ridden 2f out, headed just inside final furlong, soon weakened
mid-division, never nearer
mid-division, ridden 3f out, weakened final furlong
slowly into stride, in rear, effort over 2f out, no impression final furlong
behind, ridden over 2f out, headway over 1f out, switched right inside final furlong, stayed on well, nearest finish
always towards rear, behind final 3f
tracked leaders, ridden over 2f out, led well inside final furlong, caught post
in touch, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
A typically open Showcase event contested by a number of in-form rivals including Athenian. The Dave Morris-trained gelding sprung something of a surprise when a ready handicap winner at Ascot late last month when Rhythm Of Life was beaten five lengths in fifth. However, he appeared to score on merit and, with proven ability on the forecast firm ground, is the TEAMtalk selection to offset a subsequent 6lb rise. Crystal Valkyrie has looked in the handicapper's grip of late while Gifted Flame steps up in class after lifting a low-grade affair at Beverley last month. Spitfire Bob is another who could struggle at this level but Qualitair Wings remains in top form and could go close off a fair mark.