held up in mid-division, ridden and headway 2f out, stayed on final furlong
chased leader to over 2f out, one pace from over 1f out
in touch, chased winner over 2f out to approaching final furlong, not quicken
prominent, ridden 2f out, chased winner over 1f out, kept on
behind, ridden and headway on wide outside 3f out, kept on steadily final furlong, no danger
prominent, pushed along 5f out, soon weakened, tailed off
in touch, led 3f out, pushed clear approaching final furlong, ran on well
ran green, soon close up, ridden to go second halfway, weakened 3f out
in touch, pushed along 3f out, weakened quickly inside final 2f
close up, effort and not much room briefly over 1f out, one pace under pressure
led to 3f out, weakened quickly
took keen hold, held up in rear, never nearer
Fiddlers Ford looks to hold excellent claims here and he gets the vote here ahead of Settlement Craic but watch the betting with regard to a number of other interesting contenders. The selection was disqualified after winning here over 10 furlongs in January, and while the step up to 12 furlongs is not guaranteed to suit on breeding, he ran last time as though it was worth a try. Settlement Craic showed plenty of promise when second on his Salisbury debut and should appreciate this type of trip as a three-year-old. Of the others, Border Saint hails from a good yard and has plenty to like on breeding and Mick Channon's Muzio Scevola is one that should be watched in the betting. That comment applies also to Mark Johnston's well-bred Stage Two and Paul Cole's Starmix, a half-brother to the stable's Irish St Leger winner Strategic Choice. Overall, though, Fiddlers' Ford sets the benchmark for the form here and can gain a deserved success.
