in touch, ridden half way, weakened approaching final furlong
in touch, ridden over 2f out, effort over 1f out, weakened final furlong
slowly into stride, towards rear, never dangerous
toward rear, headway over 2f out, effort over 1f out, chance inside final furlong, no extra towards finish
missed break, towards rear, ridden over 2f out, headway under pressure over 1f out, kept on final furlong
held up towards rear, headway over 2f out, effort over 1f out, stayed on to challenge inside final furlong, no extra close home
mid-division, weakened half way
made all, hard pressed inside final furlong, all out
chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, no extra final furlong
Eastern Hope might provide the answer here but Bailieborough and Duelling Banjos might prove best of the rest. The selection is favourably rated based on his 2002 form and suggested last time that he was about to run into form. As such, he rates a sporting option. Looking at the opposition. Hov has only ever won on the all-weather, a similar comment applying to Steely Dan, although he has been in good form in that sphere lately. Newcorp Lad proved himself good enough to win twice last summer but his runs since leave him with something to prove now. Bailieborough hails from a stable in form and two solid runs already this month suggest that he is set to run well again. Reap is at the top end of what he has so far achieved, while Duelling Banjos has to improve again to win but is a battler and should be sharper for his recent outing. As we have indicated, this is not a straightforward race to solve, but we are happy enough to side with Eastern Hope.