towards rear, never dangerous
held up behind leaders, pushed along 4f out, ridden over 2f out, kept on to challenge over 1f out, every chance approaching final furlong, no extra close home
headed 6f out, soon beaten
dwelt and towards rear, headway over 6f out, effort over 2f out, no impression
always rear division
dwelt, soon mid-division, driven over 2f out, kept on same pace
in touch, led 6f out, ridden over 2f out, driven and edged right approaching final furlong, kept on gamely
mid-division, driven over 3f out, soon behind
towards rear, pushed along over 4f out, ridden along 3f out, driven and ran on final furlong
prominent, pushed along over 4f out, ridden and one pace final 2f
prominent, ridden over 3f out, kept on same pace final 2f
In the claimer, Nero's Return is selected ahead of Court Of Appeal and Tedstale. The Amateur Derby winner for today's rider at Epsom last August, Nero's Return holds outstanding claims if anywhere near his best today. The only potential downside is that he has dropped to racing at today's level. This is Bid For Fame's level and he could be competitive for a place, although his winning has come on the Fibresand and good to firm going. Tedstale, who will be sharper for his recent all-weather spin here, also looks competitive for some money while Court Of Appeal, a course and distance winner, holds good claims on his most-recent Turf form, although he lacks a recent run. Of the others, Lewis Island looks the pick but, for the selection, we will side with Nero's Return, who stands out on ratings.
Bid For Fame (USA) 16-1 (11-1) Held up and behind, always in rear, 11th of 12, 22l behind Three Thieves (11-1) at W'hampton 1m 6f amt hcp (5) pol in Mar.
Nero's Return (IRE) 7-2jt-fav (9-5) In touch, ridden over 2f out, driven and one pace final furlong, 5th of 11, 6l behind Dzesmin (8-9) at Catterick 1m 4f hcp 0-90 (3) gf in Sept.
Scotty's Future (IRE) 100-1 (9-9) Held up, headway 2f out, switched left over 1f out, never dangerous, 8th of 13, 13l behind Blue Hills (10-5) at W'hampton 1m 6f amt hcp (5) pol in Mar.
Tedstale (USA) 5-2fav (9-4) Chased leaders, edged right and chased winner 2f out, lost 2nd near finish, 3rd of 12, 3 1/2l behind Bethanys Boy (9-4) at Southwell 1m 4f sll (6) fbs in Mar.
Court of Appeal 3-1fav (8-13) Tracked leaders, ridden stands side from over 2f out, every chance approaching final furlong, no extra towards finish, 2nd of 15, 1 1/2l behind Maria Antonia (7-13) at Catterick 1m 4f app clm (6) sft in Oct.
Lewis Island (IRE) 7-1 (8-4) Held up towards rear, hampered after 3f, ridden, brief effort over 3f out, 9th of 13, 18l behind Hue (8-4) at Goodwood 2m hcp 0-90 (3) gs in May.
Regency Red (IRE) 10-1 (9-0) Held up, ridden and headway over 1f out, not trouble leaders, 6th of 12, 4l behind Carlton Scroop (9-0) at W'hampton 1m 4f hcp 0-60 (6) pol in Mar.
Finished Article (IRE) 10-1 (9-0) Pulled hard towards rear, never a factor, 12th of 14, 10l behind Lady Pilot (8-11) at Kempton 2m hcp 0-50 (6) pol in Mar.
