in touch, ridden and every chance 2f out, edged right and no extra final furlong
in touch, weakened over 1f out
towards rear, hung left from over 1f out, headway approaching final furlong, ran on
led, headed 5f out, led again over 1f out, edged left and ran on
not much room after start, in touch, ridden 3f out, weakened over 1f out
held up mid-division, weakened final furlong
mid-division, lost place 2f out, behind final 2f
tracked leaders, driven 3f out, weakened final furlong
keen in touch, one pace final furlong
in touch, ridden to chase leaders 2f out, weakened approaching final furlong
towards rear, effort and not clear run over 1f out, switched left and kept on
mid-division, ridden over 1f out, soon beaten
mid-division, some progress 2f out, one pace
tracked leaders, led 5f out, headed over 1f out, one pace
towards rear, ridden 2f out, some headway, not reached leaders
towards rear, headway over 1f out, not reached leaders
mid-division, ridden 2f out, hampered on bend 2f out, brief effort over 1f out, never dangerous
Norwegian is the pick to land the finale, with The Bonus King, Murrumbidgee and Raul Sahara other likely contenders. Prior to his latest effort when sixth at Leicester, Norwegian had been a model of consistency, having failed to reach the frame just once in 11 outings. The stiff 10-furlong finish last time did not suit the six-year-old at all, and back over a more suitable trip on this easier track, the Ian Williams inmate should once again give his all. The Bonus King dead-heated in a similar race to this at Wolverhampton last time and has claims, while Murrumbidgee will improve for his return to action 12-days ago. Of the rest, Khetaab might need another run or two to put him spot on, while further down the weights, Raul Sahara can go well. Norwegian has conditions to suit though, and is taken to bounce back.
Murrumbidgee (IRE) 8-1 (8-7) Held up behind, headway 3f out on outer, stayed on well final furlong, not trouble leaders, 4th of 12, 4 1/2l behind Apex (8-4) at Kempton 1m hcp 0-65 (6) pol in Apr.
Komreyev Star 20-1 (8-8) Tracked leader, ridden over 3f out, weakened over 1f out, 10th of 13, 11l behind Boppys Dancer (8-7) at Southwell 1m 3f hcp 0-50 (6) fbs in Mar.
Foolish Groom 16-1 (8-8) In touch, ridden 3f out, close up over 1f out, soon held, 6th of 17, 8l behind Apex (8-4) at Warwick 1m 3f hcp 0-60 (6) gf in Apr.
Consonant (IRE) 16-1 (8-12) Mid-division, lost place 3f out, soon behind, last of 17, 40l behind Apex (8-4) at Warwick 1m 3f hcp 0-60 (6) gf in Apr.