close up, led after 2f going well, in command over 1f out, headed well inside final furlong, ridden, rallied close home, just failed
outpaced, never nearer
led for 2f, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, stayed on to lead well inside final furlong, held on
slow into stride, soon tracked leaders, effort over 1f out, soon weakened
close up, ridden over 2f out, soon weakened
Having finally got off the mark last time out at Wolverhampton Effective looks the type who can now start improving and with Kieren Fallon booked he looks to have a pretty strong case for winning again here. Lack of experience at this track may count against him but he should still be too good for the rest of this field. Bond Playboy has been given a break since disappointing earlier this year and although he has won at this track looks just a little too high in the handicap to get competitive. His future lies most probably on turf. Royal Grand has struggled since winning at Wolverhampton at the backend of last year - though he strictly holds Effective on that run at these weights. However, despite David Barron's runners earning respect at this track the feeling is the selection has improved while Royal Grand has not. St Ivian runs for the in-form Norma Macauley stable and is very much at home on this surface. With a promising young apprentice taking seven pounds off he could spring a surprise at decent odds if in the mood. Davids Mark won a seller last time out on only his third racecourse appearance. He is a bit of an unknown quantity but looks high enough in the weights on his handicap debut.
