held up mid-division, headway to chase leaders over 2f out, stayed on well, no chance with winner
always prominent, led well over 1f out, driven clear, ran on well
soon led, ridden and headed well over 1f out, soon faded
in touch, effort over 2f out, soon no impression
prominent, every chance over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
always behind
broke well, soon in touch, ridden to challenge over 2f out, stayed on same pace
behind, headway over 1f out, kept on
In a competitive contest, recent winner Nevada Desert gets the nod ahead of Freeloader and Grey Boy. The selection put up an improved performance last time over course and distance, and a reproduction of that effort would put him firmly in the mix. Wessex could be an interesting runner, however the they have tried a variety of trips with him and more recently he has been more impressive over sprint trips so he is passed over. Of more interest could be the pair of Richard Fahey, Grey Boy and Freeloader. The last-named has only had six runs on the all weather but has performed well in all of them, and with Paul Hanagan taking the ride today he could go close. Grey Boy makes only his second all-weather start but on his turf form he is entitled to run well. Of the rest, course and distance winner Gentleman's Deal was a very expensive purchase and as a relatively unexposed sort is entitled to improve. However, for the winner we tentatively return to Nevada Desert.