hampered soon after start, settled in last, ridden over 1f out, little impression
always prominent, led well over 1f out, ran on well, ridden out
keen, tracking leaders, travelling well 2f out, soon ridden, kept on same pace final furlong
held up, switched right and not clear run over 1f out, ran on final furlong, went 3rd near finish
keen, tracking leaders, effort 2f out, weakened inside final furlong
held up, stumbled and went right soon after start, headway and effort 2f out, weakened inside final furlong, eased
chased leaders, ridden 2f out, went 2nd entering final furlong, not pace of winner
led, ridden and headed well over 1f out, kept on same pace
Conquest may have been a serial underachiever but he should be able to win this heat. Swift Princess is interesting but still has a bit to prove and Viking Spirit may prove to be a bigger threat today. Conquest was an exceptionally fast juvenile but has won only once since winning the Gimcrack and cannot be relied upon to run his race. That said, the handicapper has given him a chance and he has more than enough ability to sweep this lot aside if the mood takes him. Swift Princess was earmarked as a possible for the Ayr Gold Cup following her win in a Redcar handicap confined to her own sex. This is a contrasting test and she may have to wait a while longer for her day in the sun. Viking Spirit is another that hasn't won as often as once seemed likely but he has run well here in the past and is slipping in the weights. This doesn't look as competitive as the races that he and Conquest usually contest and this provides a decent opportunity for one of them to score; our vote goes the way of Conquest.
Conquest (IRE) 14-1 (9-7) Tracked leaders, ridden well over 1f out, no extra, 7th of 11, 1 1/2l behind Tournedos (9-3) at York 5f hcp 0-100 (2) gf.
Viking Spirit 25-1 (9-3) Raced centre, chased leader, ridden halfway, weakened well over 1f out, 18th of 25, 9l behind Off The Record (8-12) at Newmarket 6f hcap (2) gd.
Ebraam (USA) 12-1 (8-10) Tracked leaders, ridden over 1f out, chased winner inside final furlong until no extra towards finish, 3rd of 14, 2l behind Bertoliver (8-8) at Chester 5f hcap (2) gd.
Hurricane Spirit (IRE) 40-1 (9-2) Dwelt in rear, ridden halfway, no impression, 7th of 8, 13l behind Captain Marvelous (9-2) at Leicester 7f lst stk (1) gs in Apr.
The Lord 33-1 (8-8) Chased leaders 4f, beaten when eased inside final furlong, last of 9, 17l behind Financial Times (9-1) at W'hampton 6f hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Mar.
Swift Princess (IRE) 3-1fav (9-13) Held up, switched right and headway over 1f out, ran on final furlong to lead close home, won at Redcar 5f fll hcp (4) sft beating Gallery Girl (9-10) by a shd, 6 ran.
Pawan (IRE) 8-1 (8-9) Outpaced and towards rear, soon ridden along, headway over 1f out, stayed on towards finish, 4th of 8, 7l behind Garlogs (8-4) at Southwell 5f hcap (4) fbs.
C'Mon You Irons (IRE) 16-1 (8-4) Held up towards rear, never dangerous, 12th of 14, 18l behind Ancien Regime (9-3) at Newmarket 6f 3yo hcp 0-105 (2) frm.
