chased leaders pushed along half way, ridden and outpaced over 4f, no impression final 2f
held up in race, pushed along, headway after 3f, ridden to lead over 1f, soon clear
in touch dropped rear 6f out, soon lost touch
mid-division, headway over 3f, soon ridden and effort, weakened 2f out
track leader, lead over 4f, headed over 1f out, no chance with winner
towards rear headway 4f, effort 3f out, one pace final 2f
mid-division, headway 6f out, effort 3f out, one pace final 2f
soon led, headed over 4f out, weakened over 2f out
in touch, dropped rear 7f out, weakened over 2f out
in touch, close up half way, ridden and weakened over 4f out
With the top weight Mr Fortywinks rated just 55, this is not the best of contests and the vote goes to Astromancer, who gets the verdict over Gargoyle Girl. The last mentioned has slipped to an attractive mark and has claims if able to reproduce of his best form, although Jim Goldie's mare has yet to prove her effectiveness over today's trip. While also unproven over two miles, Astromancer has indicated on the Polytrack, and again at Nottingham last time, that two miles would be well within his compass. Mark Tompkins team continues in good form and, with George Duffield taking over in the saddle, he gets the vote. Both Rouge Blanc and Western Bluebird have claims in this company but neither has been advertising their claims particularly strongly over hurdles of late and a bigger threat may come from recent Folkestone third Marino Mou. However, in a poor contest, Astromancer holds solid claims and gets the nod.
