tracked leading pair, effort to chase winner inside final furlong, not quicken and no impression near finish
with winner, ridden 2f out, one pace approaching final furlong
held up last pair, effort 2f out, soon outpaced and beaten
took keen hold early, held up last pair, effort 2f out, soon weakened
made virtually all, shaken up 2f out, in command final furlong, comfortably
tracked leading pair, ridden over 2f out and soon weakened
Avonbridge, Coconut Penang and Resplendent Cee all have chances at the weights but the vote in this Listed race goes to Ashdown Express, who represents the very much in-form stable of Chris Wall. The selection showed improved form when chasing home Demonstrate in similar company at Windsor last month and, with the stable continuing to fire on all cylinders, the four-year-old is taken to go one better. Roger Charlton's Avonbridge has to carry a penalty for his win at York last season and has found one too good in both starts this term. He may have to settle for minor honours again here. Resplendent Cee is held by the selection on running at Windsor and may prefer a softer surface. A similar comment applies to the three-year-old Coconut Penang, who has shown his best form with cut in the ground, although he did run well on his only previous start on a faster surface. Proud Boast looks the best of the remainder.
