prominent, led 12th, ridden clear last, ran on
led to 2nd, tracked leaders, ridden 15th, weakened next
in touch, mistake 8th and 13th, ridden 15th, weakened next
always behind
led 2nd, headed after 11th, weakened 14th
mid-division, mistake 12th, soon beaten
prominent, led after 11th, headed next, ridden 4 out, beaten when hit last
always behind, tailed off when pulled up before 4 out
held up, headway 5th, ridden in 3rd when mistake 2 out, one pace
mid-division, lost place 10th, behind when mistake 2 out
Dealer's Choice, Royal Beluga and Starting Again, who finished first, fourth and sixth respectively in a race here over 2m4f last month, but who were separated by seven lengths, all have claims over today's longer trip but preference is for Rodalko who is taken to defy the burden of 11st 12lb. The top weight has gone up 16lbs for his latest success over course and distance when a comfortable eight-length scorer from Lucky Clover, despite trying to run out on the paddock bend. Clearly improving, Oliver Sherwood's gelding can expose any stamina limitations in his rivals. Tribal Dancer bounced back to form behind Nicky Henderson's improved Ken'tucky here last time and has to be respected with his stable continuing in such good form as does the consistent Channahrlie, although Rob Dicken's gelding now appears to be in the grip of the handicapper. The same cannot be said of Prancing Blade, who is set to go up 6lbs in future handicaps following his recent success here in a conditional jockey's race. He holds solid claims off a lightweight 10st 1lb but we prefer to side with Rodalko at the other end of the handicap.
