chased winner, ridden halfway, one pace final furlong
in touch, ridden 2f out, stayed on same pace final furlong
always towards rear
slowly away, held up in rear, ridden over 2f out, headway over 1f out, one pace final furlong
held up towards rear, ridden and switched left when headway well over 1f out, soon chasing winner, kept on inside final furlong, lost 2nd close home
chased leaders, ridden 2f out, kept on inside final furlong, took 2nd close home
chased leaders, ridden halfway, weakened over 1f out
prominent, ridden halfway, soon weakened
A cracking race to end the day at Thirsk and plenty of these speedballs have chances on the best of their form. Not least Magic Glade, who posted a cracking display at Mussleburgh last time and is just preferred over Maktavish and Forever Phoenix, who are both holding their form well and will not be too far off the mark at the finish. Neither will Tommy Smith and Willhewiz, who are both speedy types that can tow the field along if they hit the gates running. However, both are well exposed and the chinks in their armour are there for all to see, so preference is for Magic Glade, who looks a step ahead of the handicapper at the moment. The selection will have to work hard to reverse recent for with Forever Phoenix, as the pair are closely matched on their all weather form from the end of the winter campaign. But as Magic Glade has the more solid profile on this surface, he gets the vote today.
