tracked leaders, ridden over 3f out, stayed on same pace final 2f, no impression
held up, headway, in touch 6f out, ridden, effort over 2f out, kept on same pace
chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, soon no impression
tracked leader, ridden to lead well over 1f out, soon clear, driven out
dwelt, held up, pushed along over 4f out, ridden, headway over 1f out, stayed on final furlong, not reached leaders
mid-division, ridden over 2f out, never on terms
led, ridden over 2f out, headed well over 1f out, kept on same pace
chased leaders, ridden 3f out, soon weakened
raced keenly, held up, outpaced over 3f out, never dangerous
held up towards rear, outpaced over 4f out, ridden, effort on outside over 2f out, never on terms
Nonrunner
Rule For Ever, Compton Eclaire and Zeloso make the most appeal of this motley bunch and our vote is for Rule For Ever. Mark Johnston's charge does not look to be the best horse ever to have come out of Kingsley House Stables but this is such an abysmal contest that he wouldn't have to be. He has not shown too much this year but was sent off an even money favourite for a similar race at Musselburgh over course-and-distance and a reproduction of that run should suffice. Compton Eclaire stays this trip well and faster ground should help. An infrequent scorer, the yard are at least sending out winners at present. Templet has come down plenty in the weights but is difficult to win with. He lost his way badly over hurdles and it is interesting that the visor has been switched for blinkers. Zeloso has not won on the level for six years. A fair third in a similarly modest contest reads well in the context of this race. Teutonic is exposed as a plating class maiden and ran as entitled at Southwell in banded stakes. Copplestone returns from a long absence. This horse has been gambled on previously so the market is watched this evening. Rule For Ever has fewest negatives under the circumstances and we will give him the most tentative of votes.
Rule For Ever 9-1 (8-9) Tracked leader, pushed along 5f out, weakened well over 2f out, 7th of 8, 27l behind Numero Due (9-4) at Thirsk 2m hcap (4) gd.
Compton Eclaire (IRE) 14-1 (9-1) Towards rear, headway on inner over 4f out, one pace final 2f, 7th of 17, 18l behind Liberty Seeker (9-10) at Catterick 2m hcp 0-65 (6) gs in Apr.
Templet (USA) 20-1 (8-13) Held up, smooth headway to chase leaders over 3f out, ridden over 2f out, one pace final furlong, 4th of 7, 3 1/2l behind Double Ransom (9-3) at Hamilton 1m 1f clm (6) gf.
High Frequency (IRE) 5-1 (8-11) Held up and keen, held up 3f out, ridden over 2f, 7th of 10, 17l behind Eforetta (8-11) at Southwell 1m 6f banded stk (7) fbs.
Teutonic (IRE) 6-1 (8-11) Held up in touch, headway to join leaders over 5f out, ridden and every chance over 1f out, kept on inside final furlong, just held, 2nd of 10, nk behind Yashin (8-11) at Southwell 1m 3f banded stk (7) fbs.
Zeloso 33-1 (8-5) Dwelt, held up in rear, pushed along over 4f out, headway under pressure to chase leaders over 2f out, one pace final furlong, 3rd of 9, 4 1/2l behind Madiba (8-8) at Newcastle 2m hcp 0-75 (5) gs.
Power Strike (USA) 100-1 (9-13) Mid-division, weakened over 2f out, 11th of 12, 25l behind Remember Ramon (8-7) at Musselburgh 1m 4f mdn stk (5) gf in Apr.
Dimashq 66-1 (8-7) Behind, stayed on final 2f, never dangerous, 7th of 14, 4l behind Darghan (9-3) at Newcastle 1m 4f hcap (6) gd.
