always in mid-division
never better than mid-division
held up behind leaders, not much room, switched left over 1f out, ran on to lead inside final furlong, kept on
led, ridden 2f out, headed over 1f out, not much room, no extral inside final furlong
prominent, ridden 2f out, every chance over 1f out, one pace final furlong
dwelt, always behind
held up mid-division, headway over 2f out, stayed on final furlong
behind, pushed along over 3f out, ridden 2f out, stayed on towards finish
mid-division, effort over 2f, no impression
in touch, ridden to lead over 1f out, edged right, headed inside final furlong, no extra close home
Nonrunner
Much as the handicapper has now had a big say, San Antonio is selected, with his strongest rivals possibly proving to be Apex and Longford, although have a look at the betting patterns. The selection has been a revelation for Pam Sly this season and has won his last three races. He is now rated 19 pounds higher than when the run began but, with his turn of foot serving him well, might just be able to get in front again. Turning to the others and Isidore Bonheur has lost her way it seems but Apex could have further improvement to come as he had been gelded before his most recent run, which came over an inadequate trip. Cesare has won two of his four start now so has done little wrong, although a seven-pound rise for his most recent win provides him with his sternest test to date. Sawwaah has failed to get his head in front from his revised mark, Young Mr Grace is four pounds above a winning mark, and Alfonso, a full-brother to the selection, needs to find a few pounds to feature, we feel. Langford is now just two pounds above the mark from which he won this race last year, so he is granted plenty of respect, while it has to be noted that Eric Alston runs Goodbye Mr Bond again quickly after a slightly disappointing Doncaster effort. Riley Boys has place claims based on his best recent efforts, and Dispol Veleta is one of those that has a ratings-rise to defy. Finally, Blonde Streak is only slightly higher than a winning mark but we could not build a strong case for Definite Guest, although his stable is in form. All in all, then, we will side with San Antonio.
Apex 14-1 (9-8) Held up, ridden and headway over 1f out, ran on inside final furlong, held near finish, 2nd of 15, 1/2l behind Gone'n'dunnett (8-8) at Yarmouth 6f hcp (4) gs.
Cesare 11-4fav (9-7) Tracked leaders, led over 1f out, pushed out, won at Leicester 7f hcp (4) sft in Apr beating Bridgewater Boys (9-5) by 1/2l, 13 ran.
Young Mr Grace (IRE) 8-1 (8-12) Led, headed over 4f out, soon behind, 12th of 14, 31l behind Ballast (9-4) at Thirsk 1m hcp (2) gs in Apr.
San Antonio 7-1 (9-3) In touch on inside, ridden to lead inside final 2f, ridden out and ran on well final furlong, won at Kempton 1m hcp (4) gd beating Granston (9-2) by 1 1/2l, 20 ran.
Alfonso 12-1 (8-4) Prominent, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 9th of 13, 8l behind Tiger Tiger (8-7) at Chester 1m 2f hcp (2) gs.
Goodbye Mr Bond 7-2 (9-6) Held up, ridden 2f out, stayed on towards finish, 4th of 7, 4l behind Porthcawl (9-3) at Doncaster 1m stk (4) gf.
Riley Boys (IRE) 4-1 (9-3) Dwelt, held up towards rear, headway 2f out, hampered and switched left over 1f out, stayed on final furlong, 3rd of 8, 2 1/2l behind Wing Commander (9-10) at Beverley 1m hcp (4) gf.
Dispol Veleta 6-1 (9-12) Held up, ridden over 3f out, headway over 1f out, kept on final furlong, 6th of 15, 2 1/2l behind Qualitair Wings (9-7) at Hamilton 1m hcp (5) gd.
