soon chasing leaders, ridden halfway, soon weakened
chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, went 2nd final furlong, not troubled winner
soon prominent, ridden over 2f out, one-paced final furlong
slowly into stride, soon outpaced
mid-division, ridden halfway, kept on one-paced
with leaders, ridden to lead over 1f out, edged left and ran on
led, ridden and headed over 1f out, one-paced
held up, ridden over 3f out, soon weakened
prominent, lost place over 3f out, soon ridden, kept on final furlong
A fairly competitive opener to Wolverhampton's bumper ten-race card with a number of in-form and proven all-weather performers on view including Bond Royale. Bryan Smart's charge took advantage of a drop in grade when an easy all-the-way maiden winner over course and distance last time but is opposable on his return to handicap company having been handed a harsh looking 14lb rise. Star Lad and All Night Thing were also successful over C&D last time but both have more to do at this level having scored in selling and maiden company respectively. Whippasnapper shapes as though this trip will suit after staying on strongly to land a 5f Yarmouth nursery on soft ground recently but is now 8lb higher and has no fibresand experience. Treaty Of Utrecht was a major disappointment on his latest start and is best watched on his return from a seven-week break while Tirailleur looks an awkward ride who finds little for pressure so the TEAMtalk vote goes to Waterline Dancer. The David Evans-trained filly is well treated on her Kempton nursery success in August and showed she was returning to form when a close second in a Lingfield seller last time so should prove good each way value under Steve Drowne.
