always towards rear
mid-division, headway 4f out, chased winner well over 2f out, every chance inside final furlong, not quickened
tracked leaders, ridden 3f out, soon weakened
in touch, ridden and weakened over 2f out
held up in touch, weakened over 3f out
always behind
held up, ridden and headway 4f out, stayed on final furlong
led, ridden and headed over 3f out, soon weakened
tracked leaders, ridden to lead over 3f out, kept on under pressure final furlong
took keen hold, tracked leader, ridden and one pace final 2f
Mandinka can keep up his recent run of form at the expense of Caroubier, Blue Patrick and Kingston Harbour to name but three. The drop to Banded company has coincided with Mandinka suddenly coming good, the five-year-old having opened his career account over the course and distance in December, before repeating the feat nine days ago. He was only rated in the 30's two years ago but has obviously taken time for the penny to drop, judged on those recent performances, and in what is not a strong handicap, he can keep up the good work. Caroubier has won more often, but not over this far, although he has won over hurdles in the past so we should not question his stamina. Blue Patrick won a claimer at Ascot when trained by James Eustace but has yet to score for Kevin Ryan. He has improved a bit of late though and can play a part here along with Kingston Harbour who probably has a bit more scope than some of these. Mandinka has the proven form though and is selected to land a hat-trick.