chased leaders, ridden over 3f out, soon weakened
chased leaders, hampered over 4f out, soon behind
chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, soon weakened
chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
made all, ridden and clear 2f out, kept on
behind, hampered over 4f out, ridden over 2f out, headway approaching final furlong, kept on
slow into stride, behind, hampered over 4f out, never dangerous
slow into stride, mid-division, ridden and headway over 2f out, chased winner approaching final furlong, kept on well
chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
towards rear and raced wide, ridden and headway over 3f out, kept on one pace
chased leaders on outside, ridden over 3f out, kept on same pace final 2f
in touch, hampered over 4f out, ridden over 3f out, soon weakened
behind, hampered over 4f out, never dangerous
steadied start and keen, ridden and headway 2f out, kept on same pace final furlong
An open looking affair here, with plenty of runners having winning form over course and distance. Thaayer would have a great chance if reproducing any of his efforts from early last year, but he has been out of sorts recently and is on the downgrade, so is passed over on this occasion. Instead, the vote goes to the consistent Geronimo, who races almost exclusively on the all weather. A course and distance scorer himself, the six-year-old tends to run at 6f and looked in good heart when a close second at Wolverhampton last week. He can gain compensation here. Czar Wars is another who keeps knocking on the door, having been placed in six of his last seven outings at five, six and seven furlongs, including when beaten just a quarter of a length here recently. Another good effort is expected and he would certainly not be winning out of turn if he manages to get his nose in front. Nearly A Fool drops back to 6f for the first time in 10 starts. The Komaite gelding won a seller here at the start of the month over 7f, but has disappointed twice since elsewhere. Even allowing for the return to Southwell potentially boosting the five-year-old, he may just find these a bit quick for him over this trip. Pup's Pride is a likeable individual, who can usually be relied upon for a solid effort. However, he has not won over 6f for two years now and is better over further. Of the remainder Witness comes from the Barry Hills yard and makes some appeal, but has largely been campaigned over 7f. Although she ran well enough here last time, the drop back in trip might mean that the best she can hope for again is a place.
