in touch, headway over 4f out, driven to lead over 2f out, stayed on well
held up, effort over 5f out, weakened over 4f out
slowly into stride, always behind
in touch, ridden over 3f out, kept on one-paced
behind from halfway
soon led, headed over 8f out, ridden over 3f out, soon weakened
led early, led gain over 8f out, ridden and headed 3f out, soon weakened
behind, ridden and some headway 3f out, never dangerous
mid-division, ridden and headway over 4f out, chased winner over 1f out, kept on
in touch, ridden 5f out, soon weakened
chased leaders, led 3f out, ridden and headed over 2f out, weakened final furlong
The first division of the claimer will produce a warm favourite in Benny The Vice. The three-year-old won at Wolverhampton back in February when trained by Mark Johnston proving he handles the surface. He has since had two recent runs over hurdles so will not be short of fitness but represents a yard who have been finding winners hard to come by. Although if at his best the favourite will be hard to beat, better value lies elsewhere. Duc's Dream had been a frustrating horse to follow this year in handicap company but this represents a significant drop in class and he could take some stopping against some poor types, earning himself the TEAMtalk vote. On the form book the only others who can be considered are Mai Tai, who is weighted to go close but at times has a mind of her own and Marking Time. The latter is interesting as he should be better for his recent run which was his first for over a year, however is arguable going to appreciate a stiffer test of stamina than he will encounter here.
