held up, headway 2f out, ridden over 1f out , stayed on final furlong, held
mid-division, pushed along over 3f out, weakened over 1f out, eased inside final furlong
never better than mid-division
towards rear, pushed along and headway over 2f out, ridden and one pace final furlong
towards rear, headway 3f out, ridden over 1f out, stayed on same pace final furlong
led, ridden and headed over 2f out, soon beaten
towards rear, effort over 2f out, never near to challenge
prominent, ridden over 2f out, weakened final furlong
mid-division, effort over 2f out, soon beaten
held up, progressed to lead over 1f out, kept on final furlong, held on (hand timed)
dwelt, soon mid-division, pushed along 2f out, stayed on final furlong
prominent, pushed along over 3f out, weakened over 1f out
If he is on a 'going day' then Emperor's Well can prevail here ahead of the tough African Sahara and the appropriately named Shifty. The selection only narrowly failed to win a fair Beverley maiden last time out and being only lightly-raced could have a little improvement in him. The ground and trip should suit and he looks one to be on especially if there is market support. African Sahara dead-heated last time out in a decent race at Sandown and looks a horse still on the upgrade. His never say die attitude should serve him well here though he has plenty of weight to carry and that could be his undoing on this stiff track. Shifty has not been up to his best since joining Dandy Nicholls but it would be no surprise to see him run a good race now he is on a mark only a pound above his last winning mark. Emperor's Well remains the selection, however, to continue on his upward curve and show how well handicapped he is.