led, ridden 2f out, headed and no extra inside final furlong
chased leaders, outpaced over 3f out, headway and switched right over 1f out, ran on to take second post
slowly into stride, behind
always towards rear
keen, chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
raced wide, mid-division, ridden halfway, kept on final furlong, never dangerous
chased leaders, ridden 2f out, ran on to lead inside final furlong
held up, ridden 2f out, kept on one pace from over 1f out
prominent, chased leader over 2f out, ridden and kept on same pace from over 1f out
with leader until halfway, soon ridden, weakened final furlong
slowly into stride, outpaced, never dangerous
In the second race on the card, Nicholas Nickleby just shades the vote over St Ivian, Saffron River and Mister Mal. Nicholas Nickleby came good over course and distance two weeks ago, his first try on the surface. Now that the penny might have dropped, he could be well handicapped and carries our vote on that basis. St Ivian is two pounds better off for the half-length he finished behind him on that occasion so, naturally enough, has to be given a chance too. Saffron River runs quickly after landing a claimer here in first-time cheekpieces from Man Crazy (who runs in the opener). Danish Monarch has bits of form that stand up in the context of this race and could go well even though he has no experience of the surface. Empress Josephine is worth a try at six on this surface. It could be that Tosco, Old Bailey and Somerset West are better over further, but Geronimo could be better suited by dropping back to this trip after trying further, certainly if he is back to his best. In the same vein, Blueberry Rhyme has so far proven best over five furlongs. Mister Mal is five pounds above the mark from which he won over course and distance in August, so afford him some respect, while Bint Royal is back to a winning mark, which, admittedly came over seven furlongs. Plenty of ifs, buts and ands, then, but the vote just stays with Nicholas Nickleby.
