in touch, taken to far rail halfway, weakened approaching final furlong
chased leaders, taken to far rail and led group halfway, every chance 2f out, headed and not pace of winner inside final furlong
prominent, taken to far rail halfway, weakened over 1f out
led standside group throughout and well on terms until not pace of winner inside final furlong
prominent, taken to far rail halfway, effort 2f out, quicken to lead overall inside final furlong, ran on well
in touch, taken to far side halfway, outpaced final 2f
stayed standside and chased group leaders throughout, hard ridden and kept on final furlong but not pace of winner far side
soon outpaced, well behind final 2f
raced standside, outpaced and behind after 2f, ran on final furlong, not pace of far side leaders
Fictional is a model of consistency and can follow up his recent Leicester victory at the expense of Red Romeo and River Treat. Bryan McMahon's colt only just got the better of Tony The Tap in that five furlong event, but he has had his problems earlier in the year and according to the trainer was not 100% for that contest. This fact was confirmed as he was a bit podgy in the parade ring and so if he strips fitter this time he will be very difficult to beat. Red Romeo also comes here following a recent victory. It came at Pontefract in a similar event where he was most impressive, beating Mind Alert by a comfortable five lengths. The handicapper has sat up and taken note, but he should still be involved in the finish. River Treat has taken on better company since landing a Warwick maiden back in April and could run into a place. So a very competitive handicap but Fictional may improve leaps and bounds and is given the verdict.