held up towards rear, pushed along and headway over 2f out, ridden and stayed on final furlong
tracked leaders, ridden over 2f out, weakened final furlong
held up, pushed along over 2f out, ridden over 1f out, ran on final furlong, nearest at finish
behind, never a factor
made all, pushed along 2f out, quickened approaching final furlong, kept on gamely
tracked leaders, effort over 2f out, no impression
dwelt, jumped left at start, held up towards rear, ridden over 2f out, never near to challenge
Khanjar can improve enough to repel the challenges of Ephesus and Todlea, with Banana Grove also worth a mention. Khanjar overcame a slow start when battling his way to victory over Downland at Southwell 11 days ago on what was his first outing for Karl Burke since leaving David Loder. This claimer is little better than that contest and there could well be more in the locker. Ephesus failed to quicken when third behind Giocoso at Leicester in handicap company last time and although he should be involved, the suspicion is that it is time to put him back up to ten furlongs. Todlea failed to get going at Brighton last month, a performance all the more disappointing considering his earlier victory at Kempton. A repeat of that effort in this company would make him a danger to all. Banana Grove needs more use made of him than when fourth of six at Hamilton, while Fossgate failed to keep straight at Pontefract otherwise he would surely have finished closer than fourth. Still a maiden, he has the ability to win a small race, but the older Khanjar should have too much savvy for him today and is worth supporting to follow up.
