mid-division, some progress 3 out, short lived
tracked leaders, weakened over 2f out
tracked leaders, ridden and every chance over 1f out, weakened final furlong
tracked leaders, chased leaders over 1f out, one pace
never a factor
towards rear, headway over 1f out, staying on when switched right approaching final furlong, slightly hampered and kept on
mid-division, headway on inside over 2f out, every chance inside final furlong, no extra
held up rear, headway over 1f out, edged left and led well inside final furlong, driven out
in touch, ridden and led approaching final furlong, hung left and headed well inside final furlong, no extra
in rear, never a factor
led, headed approaching final furlong and weakened
Fulvio heads the weights for a competitive opener but could probably do with some help from the handicapper and a better bet may be Attacca, with Blue Knight rated the pick of the remainder. The selection disappointed at Musselburgh earlier this month but may well appreciate the return to the Polytrack and looks worth another chance judged by his previous run over course and distance. Methusaleh has given little sign for encouragement in recent starts, while Aphrodelta showed some promise last time but that was in an even weaker race than this. Alistair John is capable of taking a hand but is out of form at present and of more interest may be recent Lingfield winner Blue Knight. That was only a seller that he won that day though and while this may not be much stronger, it may be too strong and preference is for Fulvio.
Fulvio (USA) 6-1 (8-12) In rear, ridden over 3f out, headway over 2f out, weakened final furlong, 7th of 12, 6l behind Union Jack Jackson (8-9) at W'hampton 7f hcp 0-50 (6) pol in Mar.
Panshir (FR) 12-1 (8-4) Raced stand's side, chased leaders until weakened 2f out, 11th of 16, 24l behind High Ambition (8-12) at Yarmouth 7f hcp 0-65 (6) gf.
Attacca 6-1 (8-4) Mid-division, ridden well over 2f out, not much room over 1f out, no impression, 6th of 13, 8l behind Dispol Isle (9-2) at Musselburgh 7f hcp 0-70 (5) gf.
Mytton's Pride 16-1 (8-2) Led until headed over 1f out, soon beaten, last of 8, 12l behind Highland Song (9-0) at Ayr 5f 3yo hcp (6) gf in Aug.
Methusaleh (IRE) 7-1 (8-3) Towards rear, pushed along over 3f out, some late headway, never near to challenge, 8th of 14, 8l behind Shy Glance (9-1) at Thirsk 1m hcp 0-70 (5) gf.
Blue Knight (IRE) 8-1 (9-8) Held up in rear, ridden and headway approaching final furlong, ran on to lead post, won at Lingfield 6f sll (6) pol beating Midmaar (9-13) by a hd, 11 ran.
Aphrodelta 8-1 (9-0) Chased leader, led over 1f out, no extra and headed final 75 yards, 2nd of 14, nk behind A Teen (9-0) at Kempton 7f Stks (41-45) (7) pol in Jan.
Alistair John 12-1 (8-2) Slowly into stride, never a factor, 7th of 12, 6l behind Triskaidekaphobia (8-9) at W'hampton 5f hcp 0-60 (6) pol in Mar.