held up, smooth progress on inner 2f out, was ridden over 1f out, ran on inside to lead inside final furlong, kept on
in touch, reminders 3f out, ridden and one pace final furlong
took keen hold to lead, steady pace, pushed along 3f out, ridden and edged left over 1f out, headed inside final furlong, no extra close home
tracked leaders, effort over 2f out, soon beaten
towards rear, pushed along over 3f out, ridden and one pace final furlong
tracked leader, ridden over 2f out, was one pace final furlong
steady at start, held up towards rear, never a factor
mid-division, headway over 2f out, stayed on final furlong
towards rear, never dangerous
The unexposed Strider can get one over on more experienced rivals like Olivia Rose and Rotuma, who holding their form well enough to go close in a race like this. Nevada Desert is another that holds place claims now that he has the benefit of a couple of outings behind him, while Market Avenue has a bit to find with Olivia Rose and now has little to prove. The same applies to Megan's Magic, even though the weights suggest that she is capable of revering the form today. A solid mention also has to be passed on about the consistent Tedstale Mac, whose form figures tell their own story. They underline that he comes into the race with only one win from 33 previous starts and there has to be the suspicion that if he can find one too good, then he will. Which today could be Strider, who is still open to any amount of improvement and looks a likely type to keep his stable ticking over until the Ascot's and York's come round again. The three-year-old has plenty of stamina from his dam's side and, although not a star in the yard, he has enough scope to take a race like this now that he has experience of taking on handicappers behind. Stoute is a past master at placing a horse of his type and Strider does not have too much to find to get off the mark in only his second try a handicap.
