prominent, until ridden and weakened over 2f out
held up in touch, led on bit 2f out, headed over 1f out, squeezed out inside final furlong, one pace
tracked clear leaders, ridden 3f out, soon weakened
prominent for 1f, soon mid-division, headway 3f out, ridden 2f out, weakened final furlong
held up towards rear, headway over 3f out, led 1f out, headed and hung left inside final furlong, not run on
mid-division, until weakened over 4f out
with leaders, led after 1f, headed over 3f out, soon weakened
slowly into stride, mid-division, ridden over 3f out, soon weakened
held up mid-division, headway over 3f out, ridden over 2f out, one pace final furlong
with leaders for 3f, weakened over 4f out
with leaders for 2f, soon behind
prominent for 2f, soon behind
Sir Mark Prescott's horses have come back to form, after a long break, this week and the Newmarket-based handler is taken to send out another winner here with Optimal, who is preferred to Scriptorium and Eastborough. The selection has not raced previously this season but that has not been a problem for many of her stablemates and, with the step up in trip expected to suit the daughter of Green Desert, she is taken to make a winning return on her debut in a handicap. Luca Cumani's Singspiel colt Scriptorium has shown ability in maidens and has to be respected. He rates a bigger threat than the consistent Eastborough, who may again have to settle for minor honours. Milton Bradley's Billy Bathwick has more to do than when winning at Yarmouth last time and of more interest may be recent course and distance winner Donastrela, who has been raised 7lbs for his latest success. Doctored has been doing his winner in lesser grade but cannot be ruled out completely, along with So Sure who comes here fit form hurdling. Sir Mark Prescott has his string in good form though and Optimal gets the vote.
