always prominent, ridden approaching 3 out, led after next, stayed on well under pressure flat
held up in rear, not fluent 4th, soon ridden and outpaced, never dangerous
took keen hold and led, headed 5th, chased leader until ridden and outpaced 3 out, weakened next
chased leaders, outpaced 5th, soon ridden, stayed on to go 3rd after 2 out, no impression when mistake last
in touch, led 5th, ridden and headed after 2 out, 2nd and held when mistake last
raced keenly in rear, driven and headway after 5th, outpaced 3 out, beaten when mistake next
not fluent and soon behind, ridden approaching 3 out, kept on under pressure from next, mistake last, ran on well flat nearest finish
Al Mabrook is the pick here over the likes of Prize Ring, Sovereign State and Sandabar. Al Mabrook had been in great form through the winter, winning twice in selling grade and once in handicap company. The handicapper did take note though, and he ran as well as could be expected after a break over slightly further last time out. You can expect more from him today and in a tricky race he can come out on top. Prize Ring has top weight to carry but has only been raised four pounds by the handicapper for his recent Wetherby success. He managed to beat Dix Bay by a head in what was a gutsy performance that proved he really had battling qualities. He has more on his plate here though with the likes of the selection, Sovereign State and Sandabar to contend with. The last named is actually weighted to win a race after tumbling down the weights but has been getting placed in selling company recently and more is required here. Sovereign State ran well enough at Kelso last time out and if coming back to last summer's form when rattling up a hat-trick of wins would go close. However for the winner we return to Al Mabrook.
