made most, ridden and under pressure over 2f out, kept on inside final furlong
in touch, weakened over 2f out
keen hold in rear, ridden over 3f out, weakened over 2f
held up in rear, pushed along halfway, never dangerous
prominent, ridden over 3f out, weakened over 2f
in touch, ridden and headway over 3f out, challenged over 2f out, every chance inside last, not quicken
mid-division, headway over 4f out, ridden over 3, kept on final furlong
towards rear, ridden over 4f out, stayed on same pace, no impression final 2f
held up mid-division, driven along 5f out, soon behind, tailed off final 3f
always prominent when 2nd halfway, led briefly over 4f out, ridden over 2, no extra well inside last
held up in mid-division and keen, ridden over 3f out, soon weakened
Past history suggests horses need to be at the top of their game to carry a penalty to victory in bumpers and on that assumption Dark Character and One Five Eight are reluctantly passed over in favour of Emperor's Monarch, who edges the vote over Spring Gamble. The selection put in an encouraging effort when finishing second in a similar contest at Perth last month and can be confidently expected to be ready to do himself justice this time around. Spring Gamble comes into the race with a similar profile and should seriously be considered if the indications from the betting ring speak in his favour. Of the rest, Breezy Warrior and Cool Mate are bred for the game and ones to watch for next time. But this looks to be a good opportunity for Emperor's Monarch to put his experience to good use without the disadvantage of a 7lb winner's penalty.
