led, ridden and headed over 1f out, soon weakened
hampered start, soon chasing leaders, ridden over 2f out, went 2nd inside final furlong, no chance with winner
went left start, chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
always prominent, ridden to lead over 1f out, soon clear, ridden out
hampered start, behind, ridden and headway 2f out, one pace
hampered start, in touch, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
went right start, chased leader, ridden over 2f out, one pace final furlong
in rear, ridden over 2f out, kept on and no impression final furlong
towards rear, ridden over 3f out, headway 2f out, stayed on, no impression final furlong
Awarding is from a yard that does well with it¿s all-weather runners, but we will give our seal of approval to Johnston¿s Diamond with Royal Grand suggested as the main danger. Eric Alston's gelding was in tremendous form before having a three month break, he was an impressive winner of a Chester handicap beating Kings College Boy over the minimum trip. The extra furlong here will be no problem as he was runner up behind Mr Pertemps over course and distance last February. Royal Grand has a longer absence to overcome, having not raced since June when second in a Newcastle handicap, he hails from a top yard and with form here at Southwell will be a tough nut to crack if fit after his break. Awarding is worth a mention, he has been dropping down the weights recently, and he showed he could be on the way back with a promising run behind Lygeton Lad at Lingfield last time. However Johnston¿s Diamond will be a fresh horse and is expected to return with a win.
