behind, ridden over 2f, no impression over 1f
behind, ridden over 2f out, some headway over 1f out, stayed on, no impression
chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, stayed on final furlong
slowly into stride, always towards rear
chased leaders, ridden over 2f, soon weakened
slowly into stride, held up, ridden and headway over 2f out, edged left over 1f out, one pace
led after 2f, ridden over 2f out, ran on
held up in touch, ridden over 2f out, no impression final furlong
always towards rear
towards rear, ridden over 2f out, stayed on approaching final furlong
led 2f, chased leaders, ridden and raced alone far side from over 2f out, one pace
mid-division, slightly hampered after 2f, ridden and some headway over 2f out, no impression final furlong
mid-division, headway to chase leaders after 2f out, one pace
mid-division, behind from over 2f out
slowly into stride, behind when stumbled after 1f, never dangerous
chased leaders, ridden to chase winner from over 2f out, no impression
Plenty of these hold sound claims but Northern Games is in the form of his life and is selected to follow up his win at Ayr on Tuesday; possibly with the most to fear from Bond Playboy and Plum, who arrive here in good enough form to merit serious consideration. Senechal has been kept busy and despite a near miss at Redcar yesterday, he has been struggling under his penalty and looks one to be wary of for the time being. So do Strong Hand and Hills Of Gold, who have a fair bit to do on these terms. Prince Of Gold, on the other hand, is one that can certainly play a part if his recent exertions have not taken their toll. He has been running himself steadily into form and hold sound each-way claims here. Similar comments apply to Plum, who is far less exposed than any of the rest and could be anything now that he has proved himself over the trip. However, this is his most competitive assignment so far and he may be vulnerable in this company. Bond Playboy needs to bounce back after a poor run in the Ayr Silver Cup and is another to have nagging reservations about for win only purposes. Therefore, the case for Northern Games becomes stronger when the frailties if his opponents are taken into account. The 7lb claim of his rider more than compensates for the penalty incurred for winning at Ayr and everything looks to be in place for another bold bid from the selection.
