chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
tracked leaders, ridden over 2f out, weakened final furlong
led, headed after 2f, remained close up, led again 4f out, ridden 2f out, clear final furlong
slowly into stride, keen in mid-division, ridden and headway over 2f out, weakened final furlong
chased leader, led after 2f, headed 4f out, soon ridden, no impression
held up, ridden and headway over 2f out, went 2nd over 1f out, kept on and no chance with winner
held up and behind, soon pushed along, never dangerous
slowly into stride, always behind
towards rear, driven over 4f out, no impression
held up and keen, hampered 6f out, driven 4f out, weakened over 2f out
Bond May Day has been working well enough on the gallops of late to merit the vote ahead of Nevada Desert, Theorist and Sir Night. Brian Smart's inmates have thrived since moving to North Yorkshire and Bond May Day has already emphasised that fact with a victory at Thirsk in April to her credit. She nearly followed up here four days later but failed to hold Banningham Blaze, the theory being that she was brought out too soon. Disappointing since then, she has now dropped to her winning mark of 66 again, and as recent work indicates, her barren patch may be about to end. Nevada Desert is an obvious danger, having won here in June, but has tended to race with his head up and hang so is not a straightforward ride. Theorist has topweight and appears to have gone off the boil after his promising start to the season, but Sir Night is a model of consistency and although his victory over the course and distance was in selling company, he was not disgraced in better company than this at Chester last time. They are the main contenders then, but Bond May Day could represent the best value.
