towards rear never dangerous
slowly into stride, always behind
towards rear, pushed along over 3f out, headway under pressure over 1f out, stayed on well final furlong
tracked leader, ridden to lead over 2f out, headed over 1f out, kept on
held up in touch, headway 3f out, led over 1f out, driven out
slowly into stride, always behind
led, ridden and headed over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
mid-division, pushed along 3f out, ridden and kept on one pace final 2f
in touch, effort 2f out, no extra final furlong
in touch, ridden and effort over 2f out, no extra final furlong
held up in touch, pushed along and headway 3f out, soon ridden and effort, weakened inside final furlong
Another tough handicap for punters to fathom but the main protagonists appear to be Labrett, Quito and Diamond Max and we will take a chance on Labrett. The gelding from the Gay Kelleway yard was a good second in a hotter handicap behind Resonate last time and a reproduction of that effort would make him hard to beat. Quito rates the main danger. He defeated Celtic Mill in good style last time out but that was on much softer ground and he may struggle under his penalty. Diamond Max won well last time out but that was over six furlongs and he is not as effective over this longer trip. Of the remainder Joint Statement has dropped to a handy mark and he could go well at a big price if the rain stays away. Cardinal Venture is another from a yard in form and he could run well from a good draw but we are happy to side with Labrett.