slowly into stride, always behind, tailed off
behind, headway halfway, never on terms
mid-division, under pressure halfway, soon beaten
chased leaders, hard ridden, edged left over 1f out, stayed on under pressure to lead close home
prominent, led halfway, driven, headed well inside final furlong, no extra
slowly into stride, held up, never dangerous
tracked leaders, effort over 2f out, kept on same pace
dwelt, reminders, soon in touch on outside, headway halfway, soon under pressure, weakened
This presents a real conundrum from a betting point of view and PAINT SPLASH is only a speculative selection to get the better of First Blade and Keskianto; while is would hardly be a bolt from the blue if Inthawain were to brush aside the burden of top weight. The last named has run her best races at this course and, as she is ideally suited by the trip, Noel Wilson's three-year-old may easily rise up to the challenge in this grade. Keskianto swapped hands for 3500gns after winning a seller here in February, so it is safe to assume the surface will not be an issue for her. The drop in trip will also be a help and a big run can be expected. First Blade fared well here last time out - only beaten a head and a nose into third, despite the jockey putting up 3lb overweight. This is his first try over six furlongs but, being by classy sprinter Needwood Blade, it shouldn't present too many problems. He may be the best alternative if the betting market throws up any negative vibes about the selection. However, as Paint Splash Noted has been noted for missing the break but then finishing his races powerfully, the fitting of blinkers can be a big help today. It's a risky proposition but, gambling being the name of the game; Paint Splash is fancied to be hard to beat if he can break from the stalls on even terms today.
Inthawain 16-1 (8-13) Tracked winner, ridden and effort 2f out, no impression approaching final furlong, 5th of 10, 11l behind Green Agenda (9-0) at Musselburgh 7f hcp 0-70 (5) gf.
Waltzing Buddy 25-1 (8-7) Held up, headway over 2f out, one pace, 7th of 12, 7l behind Ingleby Lady (9-0) at Pontefract 6f 3yo fll mdn (5) gf.
Dalepak Flyer (IRE) 9-1 (9-3) Towards rear, headway 2f out, every chance 1f out, no extra and weakened inside final furlong, 7th of 13, 3 1/2l behind Solis (9-1) at Warwick 7f 3yo hcp 0-60 (6) gf.
Kheskianto (IRE) 22-1 (8-1) Prominent, ridden over 2f out, one pace final furlong, 6th of 14, 10l behind More Than Many (8-9) at Beverley 7f hcp 0-70 (5) gf.
If Only 10-1 (8-11) In touch and keen, ridden 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 5th of 12, 14l behind Imaam (8-11) at Folkestone 7f mdn stks (5) gs in Mar.
Kings Ace (IRE) 25-1 (9-2) Went right start, behind, headway over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 6th of 13, 3 1/2l behind Cocktail Party (8-13) at Nottingham 5f 2yo hcp 0-65 (6) sft in Oct.
Dancing Wave 50-1 (8-3) Led, ridden over 2f out, headed when weakening 1f out, 7th of 14, 12l behind More Than Many (8-9) at Beverley 7f hcp 0-70 (5) gf.
Paint Splash 9-2fav (8-0) In touch, ridden over 2f out, stayed on final furlong, 3rd of 14, 6l behind Splash The Cash (9-4) at Catterick 7f 3yo & 4yo sll (6) gf.
First Blade 50-1 (8-6) Prominent, soon chased along, headway over 1f out, driven and kept on final furlong, 3rd of 12, hd behind Taurus Twins (9-1) at Southwell 5f 3yo hcp 0-65 (6) fbs in Mar.
Glan Lady (IRE) 80-1 (8-8) Always in rear, 10th of 14, 19l behind Obe Royal (10-1) at Southwell 7f sell stks (6) fbs in Mar.
Meg Jicaro 20-1 (8-0) Towards rear, ridden halfway, never dangerous, 7th of 10, 13l behind Fasliyanne (8-11) at Catterick 5f 3yo hcp 0-60 (6) gf.