held up, headway 5f out, ridden 3f out, weakened over 1f out
slowly into stride, outpaced, headway halfway, ridden over 2f out, stayed on edged left inside final furlong, no chance with winner
with leaders, ridden halfway, weakened over 2f out
slowly into stride, always outpaced
in touch, ridden over 4f out, weakened quickly
prominent, led over 4f out, ridden and headed 2f out, weakened over 1f out
led early, chased leaders, led 2f out, hung right and ridden over 1f out, ran on
soon led, ridden and headed over 4f out, weakened over 2f out
Winning doesn't come easy to these but with Ian Emmerson's fledgling string in form we will stick with Air of Esteem at the expense of Ally Makbul and Craigmor. The horse has been something of a heartbreaker for punters but a recent third in non-selling grade to Game Guru should suffice if he is in the mood. Ally Makbul is exposed as plating grade and is upped in trip presumably in the hope that some improvement is upcoming. Craigmor has had recent experience over the sticks and was useful at one stage on the flat. Trainer Milton Harris has had a decent enough time in the winter game and any market confidence should not be ignored. Red Delirium regularly runs well in this grade although old father time is catching up with Roy Brotherton's performer. Lord Chamberlain makes a belated debut on this surface while Mr Perry returns from hurdling. Air Of Esteem just sneaks the vote in a modest event.