chased leader, ridden and led over 1f out, ran on well final furlong, driven out
prominent, ridden and weakened from 2f out
chased leaders, ridden along over 3f out, slightly outpaced 2f out, stayed on well inside final furlong
always behind, struggling over 2f out
held up behind, headway over 3f out, stayed on to chase winner inside final furlong, no impression
in touch, ridden over 2f out, kept on same pace from over 1f out
raced wide in mid-division, ridden and weakened over 2f out
chased leaders, ridden 3f out, weakened 2f out
raced wide towards rear, some headway over 2f out, no impression from well over 1f out
mid-division, ridden over 3f out, soon weakened
led, ridden along over 2f out, headed over 1f out, stayed on one pace
mid-division, ridden over 2f out, kept on final furlong, not reach leaders
always in rear group, struggling final 2 furlongs
This is an open handicap and the narrow preference is for Ajigolo; the list of dangers is headed by Rainbow Mirage and Sir Nod. The selection has winning form here and he scored in impressive fashion at Lingfield last time when he beat George The Second. He has a good draw today and Mick Channon's colt can make it count. Rainbow Mirage had some solid form last season and he hinted that he might be ready to regain the winning thread last time when he chased home Masai Moon at Salisbury. He can go well here from the plum draw, especially with Seb Sanders booked for the ride, but he has yet to race on the all-weather which does temper confidence. Sir Nod hasn't won since September last year but he did go close over 5f at Musselburgh last time. The return to this trip will not be a problem but his high draw will make life tough. Desert Dreamer is from a yard in form but again the draw could have been kinder. All of which returns us to Ajigolo as the pick.
Ajigolo 11-2 (9-4) Mid-division, travelling well, headway over 1f out, ridden to lead towards finish, won at Lingfield 6f hcp 0-85 (4) pol beating George The Second (8-7) by 1/2l, 10 ran.
Curtail (IRE) 80-1 (9-2) Behind far side group, never dangerous, 22nd of 26, 16l behind Utmost Respect (9-6) at Ayr 6f hcap (2) sft in Sept.
Rainbow Mirage (IRE) 16-1 (9-1) Chased leaders on far side, ridden 2f out, every chance final furlong, no extra near finish, 2nd of 18, 1/2l behind Masai Moon (8-11) at Salisbury 6f hcp 0-85 (4) gs.
Frontline In Focus (IRE) 4-1fav (9-5) In touch, ridden over 2f out, soon weakened, last of 14, 29l behind Lady Lily (8-11) at Leicester 6f 2yo fll hcp (4) gf in Sept '06.
Sir Nod 6-1 (9-9) Close up, ridden to lead over 1f out, headed inside final furlong, no extra towards finish, 4th of 12, 1 1/2l behind Divine Spirit (9-3) at Musselburgh 5f hcap (4) gs in Sept.
Coleorton Dancer 33-1 (9-0) Chased leaders far side group, weakened over 1f out, 24th of 26, 19l behind Utmost Respect (9-6) at Ayr 6f hcap (2) sft in Sept.
Baltimore Jack (IRE) 66-1 (8-11) Towards rear stands side group, weakened final furlong, 15th of 20, 10l behind Ellens Academy (8-6) at Doncaster 6f hcap (3) gf in Sept.
Desert Dreamer (IRE) 12-1 (9-1) Slowly into stride, in rear 5f out, headway when not clear run and stumbled 2f out, kept on inside final furlong, 6th of 14, 3 1/2l behind The Kiddykid (9-6) at Lingfield 7f hcp 0-85 (4) pol.
Loyal Royal (IRE) 33-1 (8-11) Chased leaders on far side until weakened 2f out, last of 18, 14l behind Masai Moon (8-11) at Salisbury 6f hcp 0-85 (4) gs.
Crimson King (IRE) 10-11fav (9-2) Chased leaders, ridden to lead over 1f out, soon clear, won at Southwell 7f hcap (5) fbs in Apr '06 beating Sedge (8-4) by 5l, 12 ran.
Super Frank (IRE) 15-2 (9-3) Overall leader on far side, rejoined main group over 3f out, headed approaching final furlong, weakened, 6th of 14, 3l behind Russki (8-11) at Warwick 1m hcp 0-75 (5) gf.
Kelamon 33-1 (8-4) Led early, ridden over 2f out, kept on same pace, 4th of 12, 3l behind Gunfighter (8-6) at W'hampton 7f hcp 0-85 (4) pol.
Tartatartufata 50-1 (9-4) Raced stands' side, behind, never dangerous, 15th of 19, 5l behind Princess Ellis (8-12) at York 5f hcp 0-75 (5) gd.
