held up in touch, ridden 3f out, weakened over 1f out
always prominent, led 2f out, driven out
headway 8f out to go prominent, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
pulled hard, held up, pushed along 4f out, headway on wide outside over 2f out, soon every chance, ridden, wandered under pressure, ran on close home
dwelt, towards rear, headway 3f out, ridden and weakened over 1f out
led, ridden and headed 2f out, kept on one pace
held up, improved 5f out, ridden 3f out, never dangerous
held up, ridden 3f out, headway under pressure over 1f out, not trouble leaders
with leader, ridden over 3f out, weakened over 1f out
The conclusions to be drawn from past form suggests a few of these may need the assistance of the horse-box for them to get the trip, so Sir Frank Gibson could have an easy time of things if he is allowed to draw the sting out of his field at an early stage. Killing Me Softly, along with the Patrick Haslam-trained pair of Noctee and Turks And Caicos appeal as the main dangers and should at least make a fist of it if they run anywhere near the best. However, they all have a little to prove regarding the distance and the market will give the best indication of how confident the respective connections are today. Therefore, with a good effort over course and distance already to his name, the selection is taken to put in an improved display this afternoon. Consideration of Mark Johnston's record with horses of a similar profile when they are upped in trip only franks the opinion that Sir Frank Gibson looks the most reliable option today. The Haslam team have a good insight into the ability of the selection and, although the temptation is to go the jockey booking for Turks and Caicos, it would be no surprise to see Noctee give Sir Frank Gibson the most to do.
