prominent, ridden over 3f out, weakened over 1f out
always towards rear
tracked leaders, ridden over 3f out, weakened over 1f out
mid-division, ridden over 3f out, weakened over 1f out
mid-division, ridden over 3f out, virtually pulled up from over 2f out
always towards rear
mid-division, ridden over 3f out, kept on one pace final furlong
mid-division, ridden over 3f out, weakened final furlong
prominent, led over 3f out, soon ridden and headed over 2f out, soon weakened
towards rear, ridden over 3f out, headway and every chance over 2f out until weakened final furlong
led, ridden and headed over 3f out, soon weakened quickly, virtually pulled up from 3f out
mid-division, ridden over 3f out, kept on final furlong
tracked leaders, lost place, not much room, lost place over 3f out, soon ridden, good headway from over 1f out to lead close home
mid-division, ridden over 2f out, headway to lead over 1f out, kept on until headed, no extra close home
mid-division, ridden over 3f out, kept on final furlong
tracked leaders, ridden 3f out, headway to lead over 2f out until headed over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong
tracked leaders, ridden over 3f out, weakened over 1f out
mid-division, ridden over 3f out, soon one pace
With the likelihood of a strong pace being set, the race could unfold to suit Nevada Desert, who is selected in preference to Opening Ceremony and Trouble Mountain, while Lewis Island will also be of interest as he returns to the Flat for a new trainer on a very handy mark. The five-year-old was rated 9lb higher when at his best for Terry Mills three years ago and he will be very hard to wrestle the lead from if he runs his usual race. Opening Ceremony has been a good servant to his yard this season and is holding his form well at present. He is 3lb better off with Jimmy Byrne from their previous encounter at Haydock and he should get closer this time around, as he had to shoulder a penalty the last time they met. The lightly raced Bessemer is another that can go well if he shows the same determination as when scoring over course and distance last month. This is a much tougher race though and he will need to be on the ball from the start if he is to land his third success at the course. Straw Bear comes into the race with a sound profile and he looks sure to attract support being the sole runner from Sir Mark Prescott's yard to take his chance on the card today. However, he found Nevada Desert too good when they met at Hamilton and, with this stiffer test of stamina sure to suit our hope, it is hard to see the places being reversed today.
