ridden 5f out, always behind
took keen hold in touch, clipped heels and stumbled after 3f, ridden over 2f out, weakened 1f out
prominent, led 9f out, ridden, headed over 1f out, no extra well inside final furlong
held up, ridden, headway over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
chased leaders, ridden over 3f out, weakened well over 1f out
prominent, joined leader 8f out, ridden 3f out, weakened well over 1f out
mid-division, headway 9f out, led and hung left over 1f out, ran on
led, headed 9f out, ridden over 2f out, weakened inside final furlong
held up, headway over 2f out, kept on
held up, slightly hampered after 3f, headway 6f out, ridden over 3f out, soon beaten
prominent, ridden 4f out, weakened 3f out, virtually pulled up inside final furlong, tailed off
mid-division, slightly hampered after 3f, ridden, outpaced 5f out, rallied 1f out, stayed on
Taxman edges a slender verdict over Screen Test, Rose Bien and Principle Witness. The last named has dropped to a very handy mark and appears to like the Wolverhampton surface. He stays the trip well and should be capable of making the frame if he runs his usual race. Rose Bien has held her form and deserved her victory here a fortnight ago. This is a stiffer assignmnet for her, though, and she needs to be at the top of her game. Screen Test is a versatile individual that has fared well under both codes. She reverts to the Flat after winning a maiden hurdle at Fontwell and is shortlisted as the main threat to the selection while she is such good heart. However, Taxman has the most solid profile on show in this company and, considering that he won a handicap off his current rating in February, he has very lilttle to find to puit this lot in their places if all goes to plan for him. Jimmy Fortune taking the ride is also a big plus for him.
Principal Witness (IRE) 7-1 (9-11) Tracked leaders, led inside final furlong, headed towards finish, 2nd of 11, nk behind Zalkani (9-3) at W'hampton 1m 4f clm (6) pol.
Taxman (IRE) 2-1fav (9-0) Tracked leaders, ridden over 4f out, kept on same pace final 2f, 3rd of 7, 3 1/2l behind Montosari (9-3) at Lingfield 2m hcp 0-70 (5) std in Apr.
Amwell Brave 8-1 (8-8) Tracked leaders, effort over 2f out, soon one pace, 4th of 7, 3 1/2l behind McEldowney (8-11) at Southwell 1m 3f hcap (5) std.
Screen Test 11-2 (8-7) Prominent, kept on to go 2nd inside final furlong, no chance with winner, 2nd of 8, 3 1/2l behind Precious Mystery (9-2) at Warwick 1m 7f hcp 0-75 (5) gs in Apr.
Senor Set (GER) 4-1co-fav (8-7) Mid-division, headway over 2f out, ridden to chase winner final furlong, 2nd of 12, 1 1/2l behind Prairie Sun (9-7) at Catterick 2m hcap (6) gf.
Pee Jay's Dream 8-1 (9-1) Held up, headway on outside 5f out, ridden 2f out, kept on same pace, 6th of 17, 4 1/2l behind Duroob (9-3) at Nottingham 1m 6f hcap (6) sft in Apr.
Lake Wakatipu 12-1 (9-4) Held up, headway and not clear run over 2f out, chased winner inside final furlong, ran on, 2nd of 13, 1l behind Rose Bien (8-13) at W'hampton 1m 6f banded stk (7) std.
Rose Bien 9-4fav (8-13) Tracked leaders, ridden over 3f out, led and edged right over 1f out, driven out, won at W'hampton 1m 6f banded stk (7) std beating Lake Wakatipu (9-4) by 1l, 13 ran.
