prominent, tracked leader after 2f, ridden 3f out, weakened over 1f out
prominent until halfway, soon lost touch, tailed off final 2 furlongs
held up in touch, ridden and weakened over 2f out
prominent, losing position when hampered over 4f out on rails, never dangerous afterwards
held up towards rear, under pressure over 2f out, never troubled leaders
always in rear, tailed off final 2 furlongs
started slowly, held up, behind, some headway 4f out, kept on, never near to challenge
started slowly, in rear, headway wide 3f out, kept on, never troubled leaders
led for 1f, stayed prominent until weakened over 1f out,
chased leaders, challenged over 2f out, every chance with winner well inside final furlong, no extra close home
held up mid-division, under pressure over 3f out, stayed on well final 2 furlongs
held up mid-division, ridden and weakened over 2f out
A trappy contest here, with lots of these having their first run of the season and plenty of question marks over the ground for quite a number. It may be best to play to small stakes and side with the returning Stunning Force. The Mark Johnston-trained colt has been off the track for 18 months after winning an Epsom maiden in September 2001 and then finishing well beaten at Ascot later that month. Of all those seemingly in with a chance here he would look the most likely to perform on the faster ground and is bred to stay 1m 4f, so he is a tentative selection. There are a few front runners here to set a good pace for the selection and of them Castleshane is the most likely to give him most to do. Provided the leaders do not cut each others throats (Tasneef and Classic Role both also like to make the pace), then Castleshane has the form on the board and is he can get in front and dominate then he could give them all plenty to think about. Of the remainder, Saint Alebe was consistent in maidens last year and gave the impression that this trip would suit, while Attorney General clearly has ability, with wins at both Warwick and Ripon last season, but may just find this faster ground against him.