held up, headway 2f out, hard ridden over 1f out, led close home
held up, headway over 3f out, weakened 2f out
slowly into stride, denied clear run, never dangerous
tracked leader, ridden 3f out, soon weakened
towards rear, outpaced early, ridden and some progress 2f out, soon one pace
led, ridden 2f out, headed close home
tracked leaders and keen, ridden approaching final furlong, no extra
slowly into stride, always in rear
tracked leader, ridden 2f out, one pace
mid-division, weakened over 1f out
Nonrunner
This should prove to be a very competitive affair with new fewer than eight course and distance winners taking to the track, but it is SIR NOD who we tip for victory here ahead of Double Carpet and Distinctly Game. The selection who was rather disappointing last year, had been off since last summer and on his return last time out justified market support, travelling really strongly to win over course and distance. The gelding looks capable of more and can double his winning tally here today. Six-year-old Double Carpet has been off the track since December but was a course and distance winner last time out and is clearly dangerous when able to dominate. He won't get such an easy time of it here though but a repeat of that last win should see him make the frame. Distinctly Game is running with credit at present without being able to win. He has never been at his best here but if his current form continues he should at least make the money. Luscivious looks best of the rest and he ran with credit here last time and though a win any time soon looks unlikely he can put pressure on the selection if he can continue to improve on past form. Recent good from among the rest is non-existent so for our selection we return to the inform Sir Nod.
Princess Valerina 14-1 (8-13) Towards rear, pushed along halfway, ridden over 1f out, kept on towards finish, not reached leaders, 5th of 11, 3 1/2l behind Northern Dare (9-4) at Wolverhampton 5f hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Mar.
Luscivious 10-1 (9-4) With leader, every chance over 2f out, kept on same pace final furlong, 3rd of 7, 1 1/4l behind Almaty Express (8-9) at Wolverhampton 5f hcp 0-80 (4) pol in Mar.
Sir Nod 14-1 (8-3) Tracked leaders, went 2nd over 1f out, led inside final furlong, ran on (hand timed), won at Wolverhampton 6f hcap (4) pol in Jan beating Methaaly (8-6) by 1l, 9 ran.
Distinctly Game 5-1 (8-11) Chased leading pair throughout and keen, one pace final furlong, 3rd of 8, 4l behind Obe Gold (8-13) at Lingfield 6f hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Mar.
Bahamian Lad 4-1fav (8-11) Slowly into stride, mid-division, pushed along over 3f out, ridden over 1f out, no impression, 6th of 11, 4l behind Northern Dare (9-4) at Wolverhampton 5f hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Mar.
Harbour Blues 8-1 (9-3) Led, driven over 2f out, headed over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong, 4th of 7, 3 1/2l behind Carcinetto (8-13) at Bath 5f hcp 0-85 (4) gf.
Milne Bay (IRE) 9-2 (8-4) Raced in 5th and off the pace, shaken up over 1f out, no impression, 5th of 8, 6l behind Al Gillani (9-1) at Kempton 6f hcp 0-80 (4) pol in Mar.
One More Round (USA) 6-4fav (9-8) Held up in rear, raced keenly, headway over 1f out, ridden and stayed on inside final furlong, never troubled leaders, 4th of 10, 6l behind Stonecrabstomorrow (9-8) at Wolverhampton 6f sell stks (6) pol in Feb.
Red Cape (FR) 14-1 (8-13) Chased leaders, weakened over 1f out, 15th of 17, 21l behind Pickering (8-7) at Pontefract 6f hcp 0-70 (5) gf.
Double Carpet (IRE) 8-1 (8-1) Soon led, clear 2f out, in no danger after, ran on well, won at Wolverhampton 6f hcp (6) pol in Dec beating Tri Chara (9-8) by 6l, 12 ran.
Trimlestown (IRE) 8-1 (8-13) Held up, chased leaders 3f out, ridden and effort over 1f out, no extra, one pace final furlong, 6th of 10, 4 1/2l behind Kabis Amigos (8-11) at Wolverhampton 7f clm stks (6) pol in Mar.
Irish Music (IRE) 10-1 (9-3) Slowly into stride, behind, chased leaders half way, ridden over 1f out, faded final furlong, 9th of 15, 8l behind Moonage Daydream (8-8) at Redcar 6f 3yo hcp (5) gf in May.
