led 1f, stayed prominent until weakened entering final furlong
prominent, 2nd over 4f out, 2nd over 2f out, soon beaten
soon well in rear, eased when hung right throughout
led after 1f, came to stand rail over 4f out, headed over 2f out, no impression
slowly into stride, soon close up, led over 2f out, came clear final furlong unchallenged
held up, no impression final 2f
A poor handicap and With Distinction is fancied to enhance his stable's good record at the course at the main expense of Croix de Guerre, Kirkham Abbey and Finnforest. The John Dunlop-trained selection found a mile and a half a little beyond him last time but returns to his optimum distance for today's contest; where he takes on a modest bunch of exposed rivals. The three-year-old is still only lightly raced and, with his stable back in-form, a bold show is expected. Croix de Guerre will have his supporters but he does nothing quickly and may already need to be upped in trip. Therefore Kirkham Abbey may give the selection the most to do on ground that should bring the best out of him. However, he has a little to prove with regard to the nature of this track and is passed over in favour of With Distinction, who does not have much to find to take a poor race like this.
