chased winner 4f, weakened 2f out
held up, ridden over 2f out, headway well over 1f out, one pace
in touch, ridden to go 2nd well over 1f out, no chance with winner
prominent over 2f, soon behind
prominent, chased winner 3f out, ridden and lost 2nd well over 1f out, soon weakened
This represents a big drop in class for Etlaala and he is taken to beat Mac Love and Jedburgh. The Barry Hills trained colt was set some difficult tasks last season including three attempts at Group one events. The pick of his efforts came in the Haydock Sprint Cup when only beaten two lengths by Goodricke. The extra distance will not be a problem and he should have too much class for these. Mac Love is rated 110 following some sound efforts last season and although the yard has yet to hit top gear he has to be respected. Jedburgh has some excellent listed form to his name from last season but does look up against it on official ratings. The rest should really be outclassed and so it doesn't look too difficult a task for Etlaala who is a confident choice.
Doctor's Cave 14-1 (8-10) Soon behind, ridden and headway over 1f out, ran on inside final furlong, 4th of 12, 2 1/2l behind Sweetest Revenge (9-3) at W'hampton 6f handicap (6) pol in Mar.
Etlaala 16-1 (8-12) Raced wide and held up, ridden over 2f out, not trouble leaders, 8th of 15, 11l behind Le Vie Dei Colori (9-0) at Newmarket 7f Grp 2 (1) gs in Oct.
Jedburgh 11-2 (9-0) Held up, switched outside and headway 2f out, soon ridden, one pace final furlong, 6th of 10, 3 1/2l behind Council Member (9-1) at Redcar 7f lst stk (1) gf in Oct.
Mac Love 9-2 (9-0) Held up in rear, ran on final furlong, no danger, 6th of 10, 7l behind New Seeker (9-0) at Newbury 7f lst stk (1) gf in Sept.
Pawn In Life (IRE) 14-1 (10-12) With leader, effort over 2f out, weakened final furlong, 3rd of 13, 11l behind Exit Smiling (10-13) at Southwell 1m amt hcp (6) fbs.
Roman Maze 14-1 (8-8) Led 1f, chased leader, ridden over 1f out, headed inside final furlong, no extra, 5th of 10, 4 1/2l behind Bayeux (8-8) at W'hampton 6f hcp 0-100 (2) pol in Mar.
Red Spell (IRE) 7-1 (8-12) Keen, held up, headway 2f out, ridden and not quicken inside final furlong, 4th of 14, 1l behind Sri Diamond (8-12) at Lingfield 1m 2f Grp 3 (1) pol in Mar.