pulled hard, tracked leaders, ridden 2f out, weakened over 1f out
slowly into stride, held up in rear, pushed along 5f out, staying on under pressure when not clear run and switched right well over 1f out, ran on as runner up eased final 100yards
held up 5th, weakened and behind final 2f
slowly into stride, held up in rear, pushed along 5f out, ridden to chase winner just inside final 2f, no impression when eased final 100yards and just held on for 2nd
tracked leader, led over 3f out, headed 2f out and weakened over 1f out
led, headed over 3f out, soon wandered under pressure and weakened 2f out
tracked leaders, led on outside 2f out, soon in command, edged right, stayed on strongly
Twofan is open to plenty of improvement and gets the nod over Flotta, Coventina, Sergeant Cecil and Mr Ed in a wide-open finale. Mark Johnston seldom wastes his visits to the Esher track and Twofan, one of two three-year-olds in the line-up, is taken to add to his Nottingham maiden win. The son of Lear Fan clearly appreciated the step up to today's trip and has been given a mark of 96 for his handicap debut. Given the Middleham stable's record with staying sorts, Twofan could easily progress in time. Flotta has gained two wins in 22 starts but ran well behind Wait For The Will at Newmarket last week and should appreciate the step back up in trip, while Coventina had to be rousted up to take a hand in proceedings when third at Salisbury and will get strong handling again from Richard Quinn. Sergeant Cecil is a course and distance winner but has top weight and Mr Ed has been in winning form over hurdles. He might just be found out here though back on the Flat and for the winner we return to Twofan.
