close up, ridden over 2f out, weakened 1f out
never better than mid-division
dwelt, soon with leader, led well over 2f out, ran on final furlong
close up for 4f
always towards rear
always towards rear
raced wide, mid-division, ridden and weakened 2f out
outpaced, kept on under pressure from over 1f out, never nearer
tracked leaders going well, chased winner 2f out, soon ridden and no impression
chased leaders, ridden halfway, weakened 2f out
slowly into stride, headway halfway, soon ridden, stayed on final furlong
soon led, ridden and headed well over 2f out, kept on one pace
switched left soon after start, behind, ridden and headway over 1f out, stayed on final furlong, nearest finish
chased leaders, ridden halfway, soon one pace
dwelt, soon behind, never nearer
This is a competitive handicap to get proceedings underway with Gilded Cove, Far Note, Noble Locks and Johnston's Diamond the four for the shortlist, and we will side with the Eric Alston-trained gelding Johnston's Diamond. The selection was disappointing last time at Southwell when well down the field behind Quiet Times. He had gone off as favourite in that race and finished behind the likes of Gilded Cove and Blakeshall Quest. But that was his first run since September, and he may just have needed it, so he should be more than capable of bouncing back here. Gilded Cove has been out of form of late and was another to disappoint last time, and the suspicion is that he may be slightly better over 5 furlongs. Noble Locks won well at Wolverhampton on Boxing Day but was well beaten last time, and he is up against some decent sorts here so will have to be at his best if he is to be involved at the finish. Far Note has been a bit disappointing recently but would have chances on his course and distance success over Hurricane Coast back in December. Blakeshall Quest is the other to consider as he beat our selection home last time, but with that run under his belt Johnston's Diamond should be capable of reversing the form and is given the vote.
