held up, ridden over 3f out, no headway
chased leaders, niggled along, behind final 4f
chased leader, led over 2f out, ridden and headed well over 1f out, soon weakened
held up, headway over 3f out, led well over 1f out, soon ridden and hung left, stayed on
tracked leaders, ridden over 2f out, chased winner well over 1f out, soon carried left, challenged not much room on inside entering final furlong, not quicken towards finish
in touch, pushed along over 4f out, one pace from over 2f out, no impression
held up, driven along over 4f out, weakened over 3f out
Buster Hyvonen, Rehearsal and Opera Writer look the three to concentrate on in this staying handicap and the vote is given to Buster Hyvonen. The selection has ran with promise over hurdles of late but returns to the flat off what looks a handy mark looks sure to have the race run to suit and in an open affair he looks a value bet. Rehearsal rates the main danger on his best form but he will do well to win under top weight after a 516 day absence and he is opposed with this in mind. Opera Writer is another that could go well as he beat Fantasy Ride last time out over course and distance but this looks much tougher and he looks vulnerable under his penalty. Noble Plum looks sure to improve for the longer trip but he is best when allowed to dominate and as he looks sure to be taken on for the lead he is opposed. Pass The Port travels well in his races but often finds less than expected off the bridle and with this in mind for the winner we return to Buster Hyvonen.
Rehearsal 14-1 (9-13) Led after 1f, headed briefly 4f out, ridden over 3f out, headed over 2f out, soon beaten, 5th of 7, 20l behind Lets Roll (9-6) at Ayr 1m 5f hcp 0-90 (3) gs in Sept '06.
Pass The Port 17-2 (9-8) Chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 5th of 11, 12l behind Maslak (8-8) at Southwell 1m 4f hcp 0-85 (4) fbs in Jan.
Petrovich (USA) 16-1 (9-7) Led, driven 4f out, headed over 2f out, weakened and eased, last of 8, 15l behind Sgt Schultz (9-1) at Lingfield 1m 4f hcap (4) pol in Dec.
Noble Plum (IRE) 4-7fav (9-2) Held up towards rear, headway over 3f out, soon ridden, weakened over 1f out, 4th of 11, 10l behind Maslak (8-8) at Southwell 1m 4f hcp 0-85 (4) fbs in Jan.
Buster Hyvonen (IRE) 11-4fav (9-1) Held up, driven and headway over 3f out, hung left over 1f out, kept on towards finish, 3rd of 8, 2l behind Power of Future (9-4) at Yarmouth 1m 6f hcp 0-85 (4) gf in Apr.
Calculating (IRE) 4-1 (9-6) Held up in rear, headway over 3f out, effort over 1f out, one pace final furlong, 3rd of 8, 2l behind Bentley Brook (9-2) at Southwell 1m 3f hcp 0-75 (5) fbs.
Pret A Porter (UAE) 12-1 (9-3) Held up, ridden 3f out, kept on through beaten horses for 3rd, 3rd of 6, 7l behind Basalt (9-8) at W'hampton 1m 4f hcp 0-75 (5) pol.
Opera Writer (IRE) 3-1 (8-13) In touch, switched right and headway over 1f out, ran on to lead inside final furlong, kept on, won at W'hampton 1m 6f hcp 0-75 (5) pol in Jan beating Fantasy Ride (9-7) by 2l, 8 ran.
