tracked leaders, switched to outer over 4f out, pushed along over 3f out, ridden to challenge 2f out, no impression from over 1f out
held up, weakened over 2f out
tracked leader, ridden 4f out, weakened final furlong
made all, pushed along over 4f out, stayed on strongly final furlong, readily
in touch, headway to chase winner 2f out, ridden and kept on one pace
Birdwatcher showed very little in a couple of runs last year and his pedigree doesn't really suggest he'll appreciate this big step up in distance, though he's probably strengthened over the winter. HIGHLAND PARK has left Sir Michael Stoute's yard to join Michael Wigham since failing to justify favouritism in a Nottingham maiden in October but his new handler has proved adept with similar sorts in the past and has found his new charge a decent opportunity to get off the mark here. Bussell Along has been placed in three of her 17 races but, even in this modest company, may still find a first victory beyond her.
Green Ensign (IRE) Traditionally gelding out of Green Green Grass.
Highland Park (IRE) 7-4fav (9-3) Tracked leaders and keen, ridden over 1f out, weakened entering final furlong, 7th of 16, 7l behind Pekan Star (9-3) at Nottingham 1m 2f 3yo mdn (5) gd in Oct.
Bussell Along (IRE) 16-1 (8-11) In rear, ridden 4f out, not troubled leaders, 7th of 10, 11l behind Touch of Style (9-1) at Bath 1m 4f hcp 0-60 (6) gf in Sep.
Polarity 12-1 (9-9) Dwelt, headway on outer to lead over 8f out, ridden and headed well over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, last of 5, 15l behind Runaway Tiger (8-5) at Southwell 1m 3f mdn stks (5) fbs in Feb.
Birdwatcher (IRE) 25-1 (9-3) Outpaced and always well behind, last of 14, 44l behind Orange Ace (9-3) at Kempton 7f 2yo mdn stks (5) pol in Nov.
The Absent Mare 16-1 (8-6) Led, ridden over 4f out, headed over 2f out, soon weakened, 7th of 9, 33l behind Blue Cossack (8-12) at Wolverhampton 1m 4f 3yo hcp 0-65 (6) pol.