held up in rear, headway over 2f out, ridden to lead over 1f out, ridden out
led, headed over 2f out, weakened inside final furlong
tracked leaders, ridden to lead over 2f out, headed over 1f out, one pace final furlong
held up, headway when not much room over 2f out, soon ridden, kept on and hung left inside final furlong
held up in touch, ridden over 2f out, weakened inside final furlong
held up towards rear, headway on outer over 4f out, ridden and weakened over 1f out
held up in rear, weakened over 2f out
took keen hold, with leader until lost place over 3f out, soon tailed off
prominent until ridden and weakened over 2f out
An out-and-out stayer is needed to win this and Thewhirlingdervish can see off Jamaican Flight and Stoop To Conquer. Tim Easterby's charge relishes fast ground and while top-weight is a concern, the fact that Richard Quinn is aboard should assist his cause greatly. Jamaican Flight should run another typically stout race from the front and is a danger to all if he gets loose off this lightweight. Stoop To Conquer is the most obvious danger with Kieren Fallon aboard. A typical John Dunlop stayer, he should see off Toni Alcala again over this longer trip. Green N Gold has shown glimpses of ability over staying trips and is watched in the market. Clarinch Claymore and Ocean Tide are arguably better with cut in the ground. Thewhirlingdervish gets our verdict in an exciting renewal of the Pontefract Cup.