mid-division, headway 6th, chased leaders 3 out, ridden and every chance when blundered 2 out, no extra from last
chased leaders, mistake 4th, soon lost place, behind when mistake 6th
mid-division, chased leaders 6th, outpaced 3 out, soon beaten
held up towards rear, headway on outside approaching 6th, challenged after 3 out, soon ridden, kept on to chase winner flat
led until after 3rd, chased leaders, blundered 5th, lost place 3 out, soon weakened
always behind, ridden 6th, pulled up before 2 out
chased leaders, outpaced 3 out, soon ridden, stayed on well under pressure from last, never troubled leaders
always prominent, led after 6th, ridden and flashed tail from 2 out, kept on well flat
behind, chased leaders 3 out, ridden and kept on one pace from next, no impression
with leader, led after 3rd, headed after 6th, ridden and effort 2 out, kept on same pace
In the opener, our vote goes to Schapiro ahead of Hernando's Boy, Calomeria and Prairie Sun. Much as it seemed disappointing that Schapiro could not follow up his Newton Abbot success when beaten in a valuable event at Market Rasen. the winner there has gone on to win well since so it would not pay to undervalue the effort. That's the view that we are taking anyway and, accordingly, he gets the call. Hernando's Boy has done well in winning twice over hurdles, including over course and distance so he has to be respected, although the worst of his Flat form came on going without too much juice in it. Irish import Eye Candy, a winner on the Flat, showed plenty of promise on his hurdling debut, so is another to consider, while Calomeria comfortably outpointed Salut St Cloud at Haydock last time and should have better to come. Finally, Prairie Sun meets Schapiro on exactly the same terms as when finishing a neck behind him at Market Rasen in a race already referred to so is entitled to supporters. These look to be the principals then, with the vote going to Schapiro.
