with leaders, ridden and every chance final furlong, no extra towards finish
made virtually all, ridden out
chased leaders, ridden halfway, onepaced final furlong
chased leaders, switched right after 1f, ridden halfway, weakened final furlong
bumped start, keen hold, ridden halfway, weakened over 1f out
prominent, ridden halfway, edged right inside final furlong, kept on
With the prevailing underfoot conditions, this is going to be a real test for these juveniles in what is an interesting contest that should throw up some winners. Richard Hannon's yard is in good form and the well-bred debutant, Matt Blanc, who cost 52,000gns as a yearling, has to be considered. However, that price tag means he has to concede weight to the entire field. The form of Arfinnit's debut run looks solid and he is entitled to consideration, while Out Of Mind's Chester third from a poor draw has already been boosted by virtue of the fourth winning easily next time out. Great Scott also has to be given a lot of respect, especially as he has already had a run. Billy Whip Top has been a little disappointing since his debut but at least will strip fit, while his stablemate, Louisiade, might need this, particularly given the stamina evident in his dam's pedigree. Iskander is interesting given that he is by an Australian sire and has plenty of speed in his pedigree, while Alan Berry's juveniles are the best he has had for two seasons and his Troodos Jet is speedily bred. However, both he and Iskander are fairly late foals and may need a bit of time. Overall, though, given that you know they will keep on galloping, Mark Johnston's Great Scott is selected to land the opener.
