held up, headway and switched left over 2f out, ridden over 1f out, ran on to lead inside final furlong, kept on
towards rear, pushed along and headway over 3f out, ridden and one pace final furlong
mid-division, headway to lead over 2f out, ridden and headed over 1f out, soon beaten
prominent, led over 3f out, headed over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
held up, headway on inside over 2f out, ridden to lead over 1f out, headed inside final furlong, no extra close home
towards rear, never dangerous
prominent, pushed along over 3f out, ridden and one pace final furlong
mid-division, headway over 2f out, every chance approaching final furlong, stayed on same pace
never better than mid-division
towards rear, never dangerous
mid-division, headway over 2f out, stayed on final furlong
led, headed over 3f out, kept on same pace until weakened inside final furlong
mid-division, headway over 2f out, ridden and every chance entering final furlong, stayed on same pace
dwelt, soon went prominent, pushed along over 3f out, soon beaten
always behind, saddle slipped and eased 3f out
It was a poor Banded stakes race that Little Task won at Nottingham last month and looks tougher so preference is for the reappearing Golden Chance, who gets the vote over Dick The Taxi. The last mentioned has been running well over fences of late and made an encouraging return to the level behind Shape Up at Chester recently. This looks no easier though and, off the same mark as on the Roodeye, the 10-year-old may once again have to settle for minor honours. Top weight Latalomne, a useful chaser on his day, is an interesting runner back on the flat, while Lazzaz who hails from a stable that does well in these races, has been given a chance by the handicapper. Nerys Dutfield's Royal Axminster showed signs of a return to form last time but has an inexperienced rider in the plate, while Michaels Dream, who is partnered by the experienced Sarah Bosley, seems to be in the grip of the handicapper at present. Serena Brotherton partnered Graft when quietly fancied for a similar race at Newmarket last month and it is interesting that she rides stablemate Golden Chance today. Admittedly the lack of a recent run is of concern but the selection is undoubtedly well treated on his best and will almost certainly have been aimed at this for some time by his shrewd handler. Golden Chance gets the vote.