slowly into stride, soon chasing leaders, effort over 1f out, kept on same pace inside final furlong
chased leaders, ridden halfway, weakened over 1f out
always behind, never dangerous
led 2f, rallied and led again over 2f out, headed inside final furlong, no extra
chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, weakened final furlong
in touch, ridden and effort over 1f out, not troubled leaders
held up, mid-division, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
mid-division, headway over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
held up, ridden halfway, some headway over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
mid-division, driven and headway over 2f out, challenged over 1f out, led inside final furlong, readily
held up, switched left and headway over 1f out, ran on inside final furlong, nearest finish
slowly into stride, never dangerous
held up, shaken up over 2f out, no impression
held up, ridden halfway, never dangerous
led after 2f, headed over 2f out, weakened
behind until some late headway, never nearer
held up, in touch, effort over 2f out, weakened final furlong
Not a strong race by any stretch of the imagination and this looks a good opportunity for South Atlantic to open his account at the main expense of Phantom Flame and Ridgeback. Sir Michael Stoute's South Atlantic is a Sadler's Wells half-brother to several winners and showed useful form in both maiden starts as a juvenile, finishing in the frame behind smart performers such as subsequent Royal Lodge winner Al Jadeed and recent Thirsk Classic Trial winner Royal Dignitary. The selection meets nothing of that calibre here and should prove hard to beat before tackling better company. Phantom Flame is becoming an expensive horse to follow having been a beaten favourite on three of his four starts to date. Mark Johnston's charge was particularly disappointing last time and looks vulnerable to a less exposed type so Ridgeback, who is improving and ran well from the unfavoured stands side at Nottingham last time, may be the one for the forecast.
