held up well in rear, ridden and stayed on final furlong, nearest finish
held up in rear, effort on wide outside over 4f out, ridden and kept on final furlong
soon led, headed narrowly over 5f out, ridden 2f out, driven to lead again inside final furlong, kept on
tracked leader, led narrowly well over 2f out, headed inside final furlong, kept on
pulled hard, chased leaders, lost place over 4f out, kept on but not pace to challenge
mid-division, ridden and headway over 3f out, every chance 2f out, no extra final furlong
tracked leaders, ridden and slightly outpaced approaching 2f out, kept on again inside final furlong
keen, held up in rear, ridden and headway on outside over 3f out, weakened over 1f out
held up in rear, behind final 3f
pulled hard, soon prominent, slight lead over 5f out, ridden and headed well over 2f out, weakened final furlong
Nonrunner
It may be significant that Mark Brisbourne has managed to swerve a few of Wood Fern's old rivals in the opener, as the six-year-old appears to have the beating of Justcallmehandsome, Expected Bonus and Orphina, judging by last week's run at Kempton. He may have the most to fear from Show Me The Lolly, who has some solid course form to his name and, with the booking of Tony Culhane taking the eye, a bold attempt seems assured. The last named faces no easy task on these terms though and will do well to concede weight away all round. Finished Article is also worth a mention, as he drops into this grade for the first time. Admittedly he needs to post a better effort than some of his more recent performances. But this is a weak race and he has very little to find to play a strong role. However, Wood Fern has a more solid profile and this previous course winner should not be underestimated in spite of being hampered by a higher than idea draw.
