mid-division, effort when not clear run well over 2f out, soon ridden, kept on final furlong, no impression
soon led, driven clear well over 1f out, stayed on strongly
mid-division, headway 3f out, soon ridden, weakened final furlong
raced keenly mid-division, lost place over 2f out, soon eased
in touch, lost place over 2f out, soon weakened
always towards rear
held up in rear, headway over 2f out, staying on when not clear run final furlong
held up, headway over 2f out, soon ridden, went 2nd over 1f out, kept on, no impression
tracked leaders, lost place over 2f out, soon weakened
behind, outpaced 4f out, ridden and headway 2f out, kept on, never nearer
tracked winner, ridden and lost place over 1f out, no extra final furlong
Nonrunner
Another tricky affair and Stoic Leader is given only the most tentative of nods ahead of H Harrison and Dakota Storm. Roger Fisher's charge almost made all at Wolverhampton last month when given a soft lead by his rivals. Ultimately the trip proved beyond him on that day but the tactics were not to blame and a similar strategy could pay dividends here. H Harrison does not know how to run a bad race and is a winner over course and distance. The handicapper has taken notice although the gelding is sure to run his usual game race. Dakota Rain was purchased for 77 000 guineas out of Michael Jarvis stable. He should have come on for a pipeopener but connections will be disappointed by the draw. Beverley specialist, Baylaw Star has had a tough time with the handicapper and may need to come down a notch. Similar comments apply to 85 rated, Dispol Katie, who has been beaten three times off this mark without any respite from the handicapper. A tough race with many possible theories to consider. Stoic Leader could be away and gone if they risk offering him a soft lead so he is given our verdict.
Stoic Leader (IRE) 9-1 (9-3) Prominent, led 2f out, soon ridden, headed and no extra inside final furlong, 4th of 11, 2 1/2l behind Desert Lover (8-3) at W'hampton 7f hcap (5) pol in Mar.
Throw The Dice 16-1 (8-10) Prominent, ridden over 2f out, weakened final furlong, 11th of 15, 6l behind Bo McGinty (9-0) at Carlisle 6f hcp (4) gf in Sept.
H Harrison (IRE) 7-1 (8-9) Narrow lead, headed over 2f out, weakened rapidly, last of 13, 22l behind Goose Chase (9-3) at Kempton 7f hcap (6) pol.
Regent's Secret (USA) 16-1 (9-2) Tracked leaders, ridden over 3f out, weakened over 2f out, last of 5, 32l behind Little Bob (8-5) at Ayr 1m 1f hcp 0-85 (4) hvy in Oct.
Alfonso 8-1 (9-0) Chased leaders, ridden and effort 2f out, weakened entering final furlong, 10th of 22, 18l behind Mezuzah (8-5) at Redcar 1m hcap (2) sft in Mar.
Sawwaah (IRE) 14-1 (8-5) Behind, some headway over 2f out, never nearer, 9th of 14, 7l behind Wavertree Warrior (8-5) at Windsor 1m hcap (4) gd.
Ballyhurry (USA) 6-1 (8-4) Mid-division, ridden over 3f out, headway over 2f out, stayed on final furlong, 4th of 11, 3 1/2l behind Mandarin Spirit (8-10) at W'hampton 7f hcp 0-75 (5) pol in Mar.
Dakota Rain (IRE) 9-1 (9-0) Led, ridden over 2f out, headed over 1f out, soon weakened, 3rd of 7, 8l behind Dancing Lyra (9-1) at Musselburgh 1m hcap (4) hvy in Mar.
