prominent on outside, ridden over 3f out, one paced final 2f
chased leaders, every chance over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong
chased leaders, short of room and lost place after 2f, never dangerous after
led, ridden and headed 2f out, weakened final furlong
chased leaders, led on inside 2f out, headed just inside final furlong, not quickened
outpaced, headway over 2f out, led just inside final furlong, ridden out
chased leaders for 3f
chased leaders for 2f
A fairly competitive start to the day and one where top weight Sir Northerndancer can concede a few pounds all around and follow up his recent Southwell success. The colt has generally been running over 7f of late, and the slow going at Southwell may indeed have helped him. However, he saw off Port St Charles (received 3lb) on that occasion and the pair meet again with the selection on 2lb better terms. That should be good enough for him to confirm placings whatever the conditions. Only One Legend ran well enough around here when second to Legalis in December. He is infinitely better in (11lb) with Port St Charles for a head beating here last month by that rival and he can give the selection most to do with the assistance from the saddle of Kieren Fallon. Evolution Baby, Geronimo and Bullfighter all have pluses, though they do also look to be exposed at present and may find this beyond them.
