chased clear leaders, headway to lead over 3f out, ridden and headed inside final 2f, one pace afterwards
held up mid-division, under pressure 4f out, lost touch over 2f out
started slowly, always in rear, tailed off over 2f out
held up, headway going well over 3f out, quickened to lead inside final 2f, soon clear, very easily
started slowly, in rear, kept on final 2f, not reach leaders
held up, headway over 3f out, soon ridden and weakened 2f out
led at strong pace, headed 6f out, hard ridden and weakened quickly 3f out
held up and behind, progress under pressure over 2f out, kept on final furlong, nearest finish
held up, chased leaders 3f out, ridden and one pace final 2f
always towards rear, struggling over 3f out, never dangerous
held up, headway over 3f out to chase leaders, ridden and effort to dispute lead just over 2f out, kept on under pressure, no chance with winner
slowly into stride, always behind, never troubled leaders
tracked leader, led 6f out, headed over 3f out, one pace final 2f
Gentlemen amateur riders contest our first event and we like the look of Bhutan, with Pont Neuf and Skylarker put forward as the main dangers. Toby Balding's gelding is lightly raced this season and improved for his debut at Newmarket to run second to Jackie Kiely at Brighton. The nine-year-old looks on an attractive mark and should go close for his competent rider. Skylarker returned to winning form when landing a similar event to this at Warwick under today's jockey, another bold run can be expected. I don't think we have seen the full potential of Pont Neuf yet, who landed a seller before improving to take quite a decent handicap last time. She was partnered by a young apprentice in that course and distance event, so today's partner shouldn't have any problems. Cristoforo, chasing a four-timer is also worth a mention, but in a tricky contest Bhutan just gets the vote.