close up in 5th, ridden and not quicken over 2f out, switched left over 1f out and stayed on inside final furlong
close up in 4th, good headway to track leader over 4 out, led 3f out, driven and kept on gamely until headed last half furlong
raced keenly, tracked leaders until wandered under pressure inside final 3f, losing place when hampered 2f out
raced keenly, set steady pace, narrowly headed 3f out, stayed pressing leader until out-paced last half furlong
held up in touch, ridden and headway to chase leading pair over 1f out, driven to lead and edged right last half furlong, kept on gamely
held up in rear, headway on inside over 2f out, soon ridden and beaten
chased leader to 4f out, soon struggling and in rear
The progress made by Red Lancer has been nothing short of remarkable and, as such, he is taken to add to his tally and shrug aside his Group 3 penalty today. Happy Crusader and Mutahayya will obviously not make it easy for the selection though and both are expected to be different proposition now that they have a run behind them this season. It would also be dangerous to rule out Graham Island as he failed to land a blow in the Chester Vase and there is surely better to come from him. However, Red Lancer easily had his measure the last time they met and, even though he 4lb worse off at the weights, he is strongly fancied to confirm his superiority here. The son of Deploy, who won a seller off a mark of 58 at Wolverhampton last February, has improved fully 52lb over the last year and is an absolute credit to all concerned with his preparation; who will all be hoping that he can keep the racing dream alive by winning this Listed prize today. Happy Crusader could be the best alternative but he does have to conclusively prove his stamina today.
