towards rear, ridden halfway, headway over 1f out, ran on well inside final furlong
chased leaders, ridden to lead over 1f out, headed inside final furlong, kept on
mid-division, ridden halfway, weakened over 1f out
behind from halfway, eased inside final furlong
chased leader, ridden halfway, soon outpaced, kept on final furlong
dwelt, mid-division, ridden well over 1f out, led inside final furlong, ran on well
held up in mid-division, effort halfway, soon no impression
mid-division, ridden halfway, weakened final furlong
broke well, led, ridden and headed over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong
chased leaders, ridden 2f out, no extra inside final furlong
slowly into stride, always behind
Plenty of these have solid claims on the best of their efforts and the shortlist of ones to monitor against the selection of Tommy Smith includes: Watching, Henry Hall and Strensall, who are just a trio that are capable of making a bold bid on the best of their form. While the likes of Connect and Absent Friends are others that hold each-way claims on the best of their efforts and should not dismissed too quickly with their claims. However, they will all have to go some to catch the rejuvenated Tommy Smith, who despite his penalty for winning at Pontefract last week is set to race off 6lb lower than when he finished third from a similar draw in this race last year. The son of Timeless Times has taken his time in coming to hand this season - having undergone an operation to have chips removed from a knee during the winter. However, his performance at Pontefract underlined that he is returning to something like his best and he looks to have a cracking chance to follow up with conditions very much in his favour. A mention also has to be given to his stablemate, Catch The Cat, who has a really useful turn of foot on his day. However, like the majority of those drawn near the stands' side, he has plenty on from the draw. Which hands the baton back to Tommy Smith, who is fancied to land the eighth win of his career if he lasts home on the far side today. Watching is the one to watch from the centre of the draw and is the best alternative if the prices allow a few corners to be covered.