jumped well, made all, clear 3 out, comfortably
chased winner, ridden approaching 4 out, no impression
close up, ridden approaching 4 out, weakened 3 out
Nonrunner
Nick The Jewel gets the vote here over Minster York. The selection runs here under a seven-pound penalty following a Stratford success eight days ago. That was a good effort and, having competed in better company than this for much of last year, connections are hoping to strike while the iron is hot. Minster York won three on the bounce last July and August and has put in some respectable efforts in defeat since then. He is now rated four pounds lower than for the latest of those successes and, as such, has to be given chances here in this four-runner affair. Red Emperor is rated just one-pound higher than for his two Newcastle wins on easy going last winter, and he might just need this outing, his first for 214 days. River Styx has also been absent - for 132 days - and his sole win came at Musselburgh in February from a mark of 76. Now rated 83, he has a bit to find, although his best form has come in blinkers which are on again today. Overall, though, we are happy to side with Nick The Jewel.
