mid-division, ridden over 4f out, soon weakened
tracked leaders, led over 3f out, soon ridden, under pressure over 1f out, kept on well
in touch on outside, ridden over 3f out, soon weakened
mid-division, never nearer
led, ridden and headed over 3f, soon weakened
held up towards rear, never dangerous
in touch, ridden over 3f out, headway over 2f out, kept on same pace final furlong
switched left after start, held up on inside, ridden and headway over 4f out, kept on same pace final 2f
towards rear, ridden over 3f out, headway over 2f out, one pace
mid-division, ridden 3f out, headway approaching 2f out, one pace
chased leaders, ridden to challenge over 2f out, hard ridden and every chance inside final furlong, held towards finish
Petrula sprung a surprise when winning at big odds at Chester last week but a 5lb penalty for that success and a draw in stall 14 make him opposable here and, with the unexposed Manoubi facing no easy task on his return, preference is for Palamedes. The Peter Harris-trained gelding made a winning return in a Windsor handicap over 11 furlongs last month and seemed not to stay 1m6f at Haydock last time. Back over a more suitable trip and off a fair mark, Palamedes is expected to make the most of his good draw. Sir Michael Stoute's Manoubi did not race at two and it is interesting that his trainer has persevered with the son of Doyoun as a four-year-old when he has so many good older horses in the stable. However, the lack of a previous run this term is a negative and we prefer to stick with the Harris runner. Madalyar cut little ice over hurdles for Jonjo O'Neill and disappointed on a return to the flat but cannot be discounted on his Irish form. Linning Wine and Movie King both ran well at Chester last week and have claims but were both well drawn on the Roodee and may have been flattered by their running there.