took keen hold, led, headed 2f out, soon weakened
in touch, pushed along over 7f out, ridden over 3f out, kept on one pace
prominent, ridden over 5f out, weakened over 3f out
behind, ridden over 4f out, soon weakened, eased final furlong
close up, ridden over 4f out, kept on
held up, headway 4f out, led on bit over 2f out, shaken up approaching final furlong, ran on well
in rear, headway 4f out, went 2nd well over 1f out, kept on, no chance with winner
chased leaders, ridden over 3f out, kept on
chased leaders, ridden over 4f out, weakened over 3f out, eased approaching final furlong
Barney Curley's runners always have to be respected in these type of events and he sends out Cristoforo. However the five-year-old is difficult to weigh up here as he was a surprise winner in maiden company last time when rated a lowly 31. He is up in trip and into handicap company here and has been risen five pounds for the Wolverhampton success and it would be no surprise to see him go well, although his form is nothing to shout home about. It is therefore worth taking a chance with the selection, King Priam. At his best this would be a walk in the park for the seven-year-old but he has been out of form for some time. However this is a drop in class and he goes particularly well over this course and distance, so he will not need to be at his peak to score here. Shank had shown a modicum of ability in maidens but disappointed on his handicap debut last time, this is a big step up in trip which could bring about improvement, although he is unlikely to represent any value in the betting market. Big General is the dark horse here and should be noted in the betting. The former German Flat horse is having his first run in Britain and is a winner on the dirt in his former country. His form is difficult to translate but he would not have to be up to much to play a major role in what is a poor race.
