chased leaders, ridden to go 2nd over 1f out, one pace inside final furlong
in touch, ridden over 2f out, kept on same pace
chased leaders to halfway
led, ridden over 1f out, headed and not quicken close home
held up, ridden and headway over 2f out, ran on inside final furlong, led close home
with leader, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
This looks a straight match between Milk It Mick and Lochridge, who have a solid edge over the rest in this six-furlong dash, with the latter just preferred on these terms. That said, old stager Tedburrow has reputation for teaching his younger rivals a thing or two and could also go close if he is in the mood today. Even so, at the age of twelve, his connections will have to reluctantly admit that his best years are behind him and a sentimental play could be an expensive mistake in this company. Mac Love ran a lot better at Newbury than his finishing position would suggest last time, and he could easily make them all go if he repeats the effort today. The John Akehurst-trained three-year-old has thrived on racing this season and he will be hard to keep out of the frame here. Milk It Mick has to be given the utmost respect as he is as tough as they come and is sure to make this a real test. However, his 5lb Group 1 penalty makes life hard here and he has a stiff test at the weights over a trip that may be just short of his best. Therefore the vote goes to Lochridge, whose third in a Group 3 at York was significantly boosted by Ringmoor Down at Goodwood on Thursday. The daughter of Lochsong has inherited all the battling traits of her champion sprinter dam, which has seen her in the frame in over fifty percent of her races - which we hope will be expanded upon with a clear passage this afternoon.
