hampered start, not clear run over 3f out, switched right over 2f out, wide entering straight, headway over 1f out, ran on inside final furlong
made all, ridden over 1f out, ran on
went right start, chased winner 4f out, ridden over 1f out, stayed on
chased leaders, not clear run on inside and lost place over 3f out, headway over 1f out, one pace inside final furlong
went right start, chased leaders, ridden and edged right 1f out, weakened inside final furlong
bumped start, in rear, came wide entering straight, always behind
chased leaders, slightly hampered and lost place over 3f out, soon ridden, behind after
ridden 2f out, always behind
prominent, ridden over 2f out, stayed on inside final furlong
slowly into stride, behind, switched right over 1f out, kept on inside final furlong, never nearer
mid-division, ridden well over 1f out, kept on inside final furlong, nearest finish
chased leaders over 2f
In a competitive sprint, Almaty Express is selected ahead of Canadian Danehill and Mambazo. Much as Canadian Danehill's winning run came to an end from today's mark last time, he was hampered there and looked unlucky. A good run is anticipated but Almaty Express is weighted to get the better of him based on January course and distance form. In turn, Nusoor is closely weighted with Almaty Express based on c/d form also (Trinculo could be given a chance based on the same race's form) although Almaty Express seems more consistent in general. Polish Emperor is well weighted based on his best form and, even though he has lost his way of late, a first-time visor could help. Coconut Moon has edged his way back to a winning mark and his all-weather record stands at two wins from four runs, while there is no doubt that Mambazo is on a fair mark if recapturing his September 2006 form. Finally, Financial Times isn't getting any respite from the handicapper for finishing second, as he has done in each of his last five starts and Misaro is weighted to run Canadian Danehill close based on course and distance form from February. It all adds up to a tricky race, with Almaty Express given as the selection.
Financial Times (USA) 7-4fav (9-2) Led, all out when headed well inside final furlong, 2nd of 9, 1/2l behind Figaro Flyer (9-1) at W'hampton 5f hcp 0-75 (5) pol in Jan.
Almaty Express 5-6fav (8-9) Led, ridden over 1f out, headed and no extra near finish, 2nd of 11, 1/2l behind Canadian Danehill (8-9) at W'hampton 5f hcp 0-60 (6) pol in Jan.
Nusoor (IRE) 5-1 (8-12) Started slowly, always behind, 9th of 11, 7l behind Hypnosis (9-2) at Southwell 5f hcp 0-70 (5) fbs.
Coconut Moon 14-1 (8-10) Took keen hold, held up, ridden and struggling final 3f, last of 10, 10l behind Danetime Lord (8-4) at W'hampton 6f hcp 0-80 (4) pol.
Clipper Hoy 10-1 (8-13) Prominent, ridden over 1f out, every chance inside final furlong, not quicken final 50 yards, 6th of 11, 1l behind Cashel Mead (8-7) at Kempton 5f hcap (6) pol in Apr.
Sandwith 3-1fav (8-12) Mid-division, ridden over 2f out, no impression, 6th of 9, 10l behind Rainbow Bay (8-9) at Ayr 5f 3yo hcp (4) gd in May.
Misaro (GER) 2-1fav (8-8) Led, ridden and headed over 2f out, soon weakened, 5th of 9, 11l behind Hamaasy (9-1) at Southwell 6f hcp 0-60 (6) fbs.
Canadian Danehill (IRE) 3-1fav (9-2) Mid-division, hampered over 3f out, headway well over 1f out, kept on, 3rd of 13, 6l behind Cornus (8-6) at W'hampton 6f hcp 0-75 (5) pol.
