prominent, reminders over 5f out, soon beaten
tracked leader, led after 2f, was ridden over 2f out, headed briefly inside final furlong, kept on gamely under pressure
towards rear, pushed along, some headway over 4f out, never near to challenge
held up, headway over 3f out, driven over 2f out, led briefly inside final furlong, no extra close home
behind, never a factor
mid-division, reminders over 6f out, soon behind
in touch, driven over 3f out, ridden 2f out, one pace until weakened inside final furlong
The call here goes to Efrhina who just gets the vote ahead of Yenaled and Oldenway. Efrhina's credentials are that she has won from today's mark, at this track over 11 furlongs, and comes here in good heart following a win. For us these add up to a competitive profile today. Yenaled, who won from a 10-pounds higher mark here in November 2004, must surely be competitive of getting anywhere near that level of form, although his November form leaves something to be desired. Oldenway, who is due to rise by four pounds in future ratings, narrowly holds Khanjar on a recent course and distance run, and we feel that the form will be confirmed, while Victory Quest, who goes well here, has track winning form over 14 and 16 furlongs, which might see him getting done for a little bit of toe today. Sorbiesharry has won from a higher rating at Wolverhampton, but not beyond nine furlongs, while it has been a while since J R Stevenson entered the winner's enclosure, and Blue Opal has more to do than when landing a course maiden, although she does appear to be improving. Overall, though, we will stick with Efrhina.
Victory Quest (IRE) 14-1 (9-6) In touch, ridden over 3f out, weakened over 1f out, 6th of 9, 11l behind Junkanoo (8-4) at Nottingham 2m hcp (5) sft in Apr.
Khanjar (USA) 12-1 (9-4) Tracked leader, led 2f out, headed entering final furlong, no extra, 3rd of 9, 1/2l behind Piper General (8-8) at Southwell 1m 4f hcp 0-75 (5) fbs.
Sorbiesharry (IRE) 5-1 (8-9) Held up, ridden, headway over 1f out, kept on, not reach leaders, 7th of 12, 3 1/2l behind Shankly Bond (8-10) at W'hampton 1m 1f hcp 0-75 (5) pol.
Oldenway 12-1 (8-10) Led, headed 2f out, rallied inside final furlong, not reach winner, 2nd of 9, nk behind Piper General (8-8) at Southwell 1m 4f hcp 0-75 (5) fbs.
Yenaled 4-1 (8-10) Dwelt, held up, effort over 2f out, soon no impression, 5th of 8, 17l behind Romil Star (8-8) at Southwell 1m 4f clm (6) fbs in Nov.
Efrhina (IRE) 7-1 (8-9) Towards rear, driven over 5f out, never on terms, 7th of 9, 21l behind Piper General (8-8) at Southwell 1m 4f hcp 0-75 (5) fbs.
J R Stevenson (USA) 14-1 (8-12) Prominent until driven and outpaced 3f out, 8th of 13, 18l behind Peak Park (9-8) at Southwell 2m hcp 0-75 (5) fbs in Nov.
Blue Opal 22-1 (8-12) In touch, ridden to lead 2f out, edged right and kept on final furlong, won at Southwell 1m 3f mdn stk (5) fbs beating Dance Troupe (8-12) by a nk, 10 ran.