held up in mid-division, headway 6th, ridden and every chance 2 out, weakened flat
made most, hard pressed from 3 out, ridden next, headed soon after last, kept on flat, just held
held up, steady headway 4 out, ridden after next, challenged approaching last, soon led, held on under pressure flat
always towards rear
mid-division, outpaced 5th, soon behind
disputed lead until ridden and lost place 4 out, tailed off from next
in touch, smooth headway 4 out, challenged next, ridden and every chance from 2 out, hit last, no extra flat
soon pushed along in rear, lost touch 5th, never dangerous
Sure to be plenty of pace on here which will suit Middlethorpe, who is forgiven his below par run of three weeks ago and is fancied to hold off the challenges of Crazy Horse and Maceo, who both have form that ties in with the selection. The first named ran his best race, for what seems an eternity last time - when he rallied to the task to stay on past beaten horses near the finish. However, all his best form has been over further than this and he is far from a reliable option for a repeat dose today. Maceo, although a previous course winner, is also on a long losing run and, despite his claims at the weights, may find one or two have his measure. Bolshio Ballet won a weaker race than this at Uttoxeter back in May and is now 6lb higher. His reappearance effort was nothing to be getting excited about and he in turn will struggle to repel Middlethorpe if we see him in his best light this afternoon.
