slowly into stride, behind, bumped 7f out, plenty to do over 3f out, good headway from 2f out, led just inside final furlong, ran on well
held up, headway over 3f out, kept on well final furlong
in touch until pulled up 7f out
keen in touch, headway 5f out, ridden and weakened 2f out
dwelt, behind, headway over 3f out, ridden and every chance 1f out, not quicken
slowly into stride, always towards rear
chased leaders, ridden over 3f out, weakened over 1f out
in touch, headway over 2f out, soon ridden, kept on same pace
led, headed 7f out, chased leaders until outpaced 2f out
tracked leaders, led 5f out, ridden and no extra when headed inside final furlong
chased leaders, led 7f out until 5f out, weakened 3f out
Not the best of races and one that can be taken by He Who Dares, from Absolute Utopia and Landescent. The selection is effective over trips ranging from this 10 furlongs down as far as seven furlongs and in different types of ground, having won both on fast and with cut. That sort of versatility saw him rewarded with a seven furlong win at Lingfield last time on soft and the step back up should hold no fears. A thoroughly consistent sort, he has most in his favour and can score. Absolute Utopia comes into the race seeking a hat-trick after wins in banded company at Lingfield and then in a seller over course and distance last month. Now 11-years-old, he may just find this level slightly beyond him but nevertheless we expect nothing less than a decent effort. Meanwhile Landescent won back-to-back regional contests over this trip in the winter and retains his form well enough, but he looks to be in the grip of the handicapper, while only Voice Mail makes any appeal from the remainder. Andrew Balding's yard is in good form at present but even that may not be enough to help this gelding get home over this trip, so we will stick with He Who Dares.
