prominent, ridden and outpaced 2f out, stayed on final furlong
prominent on outer, ridden and every chance 2f out, weakened final furlong
tracked leaders, not much room over 1f out, never dangerous after
in touch on outer, ridden over 1f out, soon weakened
with leaders, led over 2f out, soon ridden, headed well over 1f out, weakened quickly
led, headed over 2f out, soon ridden and weakened
chased leaders, led well over 1f out, soon clear
slowly away and always behind
held up towards rear, never dangerous
behind, ridden and headway well over 1f out, stayed on inside final furlong
A competitive race emphasised by the narrow margin in the weights between top and bottom but Louisiade finally came good and can progress to beat Zhitomir and Mount Royale. Karl Burke's horses usually stay in winning form once they find it and off a three pound higher mark, the handicapper has not sought to be unduly harsh about matters. Zhitomir is very much the form horse around here. Adaptable over a variety of distances, he rates as the benchmark for all others. Mount Royale hasn't won for a while but is a seven furlong specialist. He served notice of a return to form last time out and shouldn't be far away again on this occasion. Balerno is best if up with the early pace while Menai Straights is out of from. Of the remainder, Now Look Away is watched in the market in case of any positive vibes. A fair race in prospect and Louisiade is given our selection.
Mount Royale (IRE) 14-1 Dwelt, soon chasing leaders, one pace final furlong, 4th of 12, 2l behind Aswan at W'hampton 7f hcp pol.
Balerno 9-1 Held up rear, headway 2f out, kept on final furlong, not troubled leaders, 6th of 12, 2l behind Plausabelle at Lingfield 1m hcp pol.
Now Look Away (IRE) 12-1 Chased leaders, ridden 3f out, soon weakened, 9th of 11, 14l behind Nan Jan at W'hampton 7f mdn stk (D3) pol in Feb.
Louisiade (IRE) 4-1fav In touch, ridden 2f out, kept on to lead well inside final furlong, won at W'hampton 7f hcp pol beating Lord Chamberlain by 1/2l, 12 ran.
Lakeside Guy (IRE) 10-1 Held up in touch, effort over 1f out, not quicken final furlong, 5th of 11, 2 1/2l behind Hadath at Lingfield 6f sll pol.
Pharoah's Gold (IRE) 6-1 Held up in rear, ridden and some headway over 2f out, never dangerous, 6th of 11, 10l behind Fulvio at W'hampton 7f stk pol.