mid-division, headway 4f out, ridden 2f out, soon onepaced
led early, prominent, ridden and every chance well over 1f out, no extra inside final furlong
held up, behind, headway 5f out, ridden 3f out, soon weakened
soon led, ridden over 2f out, headed over 1f out, stayed on, no chance with winner
tracked leaders, ridden and every chance well over 1f out, weakened final furlong
held up, headway 5f out, led over 1f out, ridden out
mid-division, ridden over 3f out, soon weakened
tracked leaders, ridden over 6f out, soon weakened
soon behind, tailed off final 4f
soon in touch, ridden over 5f out, soon weakened
Not too many with obvious chances but Isa'Af might be able to reverse April form with Pop Gun, with E Minor another that could go well. The selection was 10 lengths behind Pop Gun at Nottingham but is now 13lbs better off (plus his rider's 7lb allowance) for that run. A winner from a mark of 48 earlier in the year, he runs off a mark of 49 now. Pop Gun has won two from four this year but has risen 15lbs in the process. Although unproven at the trip, his Nottingham win suggested he ought to stay it. E Minor has been gradually stepping up in trip and, certainly when you consider that he is to be ridden by a useful three-pound claimer, has to come into the argument. Of the others, winning hurdler Generous Ways would need to turn back the clock on the Flat to play a part, Opportune is one-pound lower than for his August 2001 course and distance win, but Knotty Ash Girl could well improve for a step up in trip.
