mid-division, pushed along and headway over 5f out, ridden to go 3rd over 4f out, weakened well over 1f out
held up, headway on bit over 3f out, ridden over 2f out, ran on well to lead towards finish (new track record)
chased leaders in 3rd, ridden over 4f out, no impression final 2f
held up towards rear, ridden over 4f out, weakened 2f out
chased leader, pushed along over 5f out, ridden over 3f out, led over 2f out, headed and no extra final furlong
led, pushed along over 6f out, ridden over 3f out, headed over 2f out, hard ridden and rallied to regain lead final furlong, headed and no extra towards finish
in rear, ridden and some headway over 4f out, no impression final 2f
held up towards rear, ridden and outpaced over 6f out, soon no impression
A cracking event with last years winning connections represented by the progressive Unleash. Sir Mark Prescott won this last year with a similar type in the shape of Alleluia, who came into this race with a handicap mark of 86. Unleash, rated 89, looks to have plenty on at the weights, but it would be dangerous to underestimate him. Travelmate has forgotten how to win, while Jardines Lookout, who disappointed at York, may do better here. He was fifth in this event last year and wasn't suited by the lack of pace to halfway that day, but granted a decent gallop here, he should go well. Third in last years event, Bosham Mill has yet to find his form this term, but if he did bounce back, he is more than capable of a bold show as is Cover Up, who stays longer than the mother-in-law. Darasim is a tough and consistent gelding and looks sure to run well, but the vote goes to Boreas, who looks open to more improvement at this trip. The evergreen Persian Punch bounced back to form at Salisbury last week and there would be no more popular winner than him, but although he has finished runner-up and third in this event in years gone by, it could be that his best days are behind him.
