behind, stayed on final furlong, never nearer
in touch, ridden over 2f out, kept on one pace
in touch, ridden 4f out, one pace final 2f
slow into stride, always towards rear
made all, quickened 4f out, clear 2f out, ran on
in touch, outpaced 4f out, no danger after
held up, never troubled leader
slow into stride, always behind
keen, in touch, chased winner over 5f out, soon ridden, one pace final 2f
prominent, ridden over 4f out, weakened over 2f out
held up, headway over 4f out, ridden 3f out, no clear run over 1f out, one pace
mid-division, ridden over 3f out, soon weakened
prominent, ridden over 5f out, soon weakened
tracked leaders, ridden over 3f out, kept on to go 2nd inside final furlong, no chance with winner
Rooftop Protest has shown progressive form in Ireland of late but faces no easy task at the weights on his British debut and preference is for Henry Island, who gets the vote over Diamond Orchid. The last mentioned is unexposed over staying trips and has claims on the form shown when second on the Polytrack at Lingfield two starts ago, although a disappointing effort at Fontwell last time is of concern. Stablemate Gallant Boy is far from a certain stayer and of more interest is Mick Channon's Claradotnet, who is well treated on her best. Topweight Arabian Moon has slipped to a fair mark but faces no easy task from his outside draw and of more interest may be Mark Brisbourne's consistent Ellway Heights, who is well berthed in stall two. Reg Hollinshead's Northern Nymph is similarly well berthed and is another worthy of a mention but the vote goes to Henry Island, who indicated that his turn might not be far away when running a good second at Warwick on unsuitably fast ground last time. The faster surface here should suit better and, off a fair mark, he looks to be the one they all have to beat.
