tracked leaders, ridden 3 out, weakened
led and keen, ridden when headed approaching 2 out, faded
well behind from halfway
towards rear, ridden 5th, stayed on, never nearer
tracked leaders, ridden 6th and weakened
tracked leaders until weakened 5th
in touch, ridden from 3 out, stayed on to chase winner last but no chance
mid-division, ridden after 5th, stayed on, not reach leaders
held up mid-division, steady headway 5th, led approaching 2 out, soon driven clear
held up, headway approaching 4th, ridden and weakened approaching 3 out
Storm Prince (one of two course and distance winners in the race) has had problems since winning twice as a juvenile two seasons ago. Atalya has run some good races in defeat but keeps getting raised as a consequence. Redwood Grove (the other c/d winner in the contest) has been relatively lightly raced over the course of the last 12 months but would need to be putting his best foot forward to feature. The handicapper seems to have over-reacted to John Hunter's Plumpton win but has since dropped him 6lbs, and any Martin Pipe runner has to be respected in this class. Guru won a Folkestone juvenile event but has struggled, without being disgraced, in handicaps. He has also been dropped a few pounds in the ratings now. Speed Venture won at Uttoxeter last year and, with his seasonal return out of the way, has a right to be considered. Lightly-raced over hurdles, El Zito won from a mark of mark of 103 at Folkestone in May 2001 (now 95 with a useful 5lbs to come off his back too). Circle Of Wolves is also lightly raced over hurdles and has some form to his name (back in trip now from his last-but-one Sandown run). Lady Ward has been raised for some consistent placed efforts but has a useful 5lb-claimer on his back to offset them. Sonny Jim won off this mark at Plumpton last season so cannot be completely discounted, while Just A Touch won nicely here last month but has been raised 8lbs as a consequence. However, he is open to further improvement and gets the vote. No Mercy was second to Lady Jeannie (beaten since) at Plumpton last time and would need to improve on that to play a part.
