prominent, pushed along over 2f out, ridden over 1f out, stayed on same pace final furlong
towards rear, never dangerous
towards rear, headway over 2f out, soon weakened
slowly into stride and behind, never a factor
mid-division, effort over 3f out, soon beaten
towards rear, never dangerous
led, headed 3f out, soon behind
held up, headway over 2f out, ridden to lead over 1f out, kept on final furlong
towards rear, headway over 2f out, ridden and one pace final furlong
never better than mid-division
in touch, pushed along halfway, soon beaten
held up, steady progress 2f out, ridden over 1f out, stayed on same pace final furlong
towards rear, headway 3f out, ridden over 2f out, weakened final furlong
prominent, led 3f out, headed over 2f out, one pace until weakened final furlong
dwelt and towards rear, pushed along halfway, some late headway but never near to challenge
never better than mid-division
never better than mid-division
held up, headway over 2f out, chased winner final furlong
Dandy Nicholls has his team in good shape at present, and so Nemo Fugat is selected over Eastern Hope, Bijou Dan, and Joshua's Gold to name but three in an open contest. Looking back at last year's contest, the winner Rocinante was drawn 15 in a 19-strong field, so with that in mind, Nemo Fugat, housed in stall 18 today, certainly has that in his favour at least. In addition, he is absolutely thrown in on his best form of two years ago, having won a conditions event for Richard Hannon at Newmarket off a mark of 89, and he is now rated fully 30lb less. All his wins have been on fast ground, and he did run well over a mile when third to Mount Hillaby at York last September. If he breaks well today and can lie up handy, the son of Danehill Dancer must go very close indeed if turning out after finishing fifth over seven furlongs on good ground at Thirsk on Saturday. Eastern Hope is drawn in stall nine so is not as well treated by the draw, but he did run well in selling company over seven furlongs on this course last time so is one to consider for the frame along with Bijou Dan, drawn next door in 10. He has been consistent without winning this year, but showed a bit of form on the all-weather during the winter. Joshua's Gold beat Boppys Princess on fast ground at Carlisle last summer and caught the eye at Wolverhampton recently when second. He has a good draw in 15 and should also have a say in the outcome, but with more going for him than most here, Nemo Fugat can get back to winning ways.
Son of Thunder (IRE) 14-1 Mid-division, ridden and outpaced 2f out, kept on under pressure inside final furlong, never troubled leaders, 5th of 11, 5l behind Stoic Leader at Musselburgh 1m hcp gd in Apr.
Nemo Fugat (IRE) 8-1 Chased leaders, ridden over 1f out, stayed on same pace final furlong, 5th of 14, 3 1/2l behind Shifty at Thirsk 7f hcp gd.
Eastern Hope (IRE) 13-2 Slowly away, ridden over 2f out, stayed on well over 1f out, took 2nd close home, no chance with winner, 2nd of 17, 5l behind Lord Conyers at Redcar 7f sll gd in Apr.
Time To Regret 12-1 In touch, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 10th of 16, 7l behind Meelup at Warwick 1m hcp gs in Apr.
Kalani Star (IRE) 12-1 Mid-division, ridden over 2f out, headway and not much room over 1f out, switched left and stayed on final furlong, 5th of 16, 14l behind Baylaw Star at Beverley 7f hcp sft in Apr.
Bijou Dan 12-1 Chased leaders, came stands' side home straight, ridden over 1f out, kept on same pace final furlong, 4th of 15, 7l behind Zhitomir at Catterick 7f hcp gs.
Mac's Elan 6-1 Held up mid-division, steady headway from over 3f out, ridden and weakened 1f out, 6th of 18, 4 1/2l behind Primeshade Promise at Chepstow 1m hcp gs.
Joshua's Gold (IRE) 12-1 Chased leader, ridden 2f out, headed over 2f out, headed final furlong, rallied inside final furlong, kept on, 2nd of 13, 1/2l behind Qobtaan at W'hampton 1m 1f hcp pol in Apr.
