chased leaders, ridden to challenge over 2f out, led over 1f out, headed, no extra well inside final furlong
held up, ridden halfway, stayed on inside final furlong, never nearer
always prominent, every chance from over 2f out, stayed on same pace inside final furlong
led, ridden, headed over 1f out, kept on same pace
in touch, headway over 2f out, ridden, stayed on to lead well inside final furlong
slowly into stride, behind, headway over 2f out, chased leaders over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong
steadied start, held up, headway over 2f out, weakened final furlong
chased leaders over 5f
chased leaders, hard driven halfway, weakened over 2f out
prominent, lost place halfway
with leader, every chance over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
Mount Royale is offered up in preference to Ragasah and Musiotal. Nigel Tinkler's horse is an out-and-out seven furlong specialist. He disappointed at the track when sent off 9/4 favourite for a similar contest but that race did follow an absence and in a grade where form is inconsistent, he does tend to hold his relatively well. Ragasah was a rare winner for the Ernst Oertel stable. The eight-year-old mare has always had some ability but doesnt always consent to show it. Her backers had Eddie Ahern to thank for his perserverance on that occasion. Crucially that was at Lingfield and on her Southwell form, she does have a bit to prove. Musiotal is watched in the market. His most recent effort over six furlongs suggested that a win was just around the corner and it will be interesting to see if the faces share the same opinion this afternoon. Recent winner, Opera Knight is dropped substantially in trip. Monkey Madge could be a danger to all if granted a soft lead. A trappy affair that can go to Mount Royale if he runs up to his better form.
