mid-division, ridden and lost place over 6f out, no danger after
held up, ridden over 5f out, headway over 1f out, ran on inside final furlong, not reach leaders
in touch, ridden over 3f out, soon weakened
chased leader, ridden to lead over 2f out, ran on
held up, headway 4f out, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
led, ridden and headed over 2f out, weakened inside final furlong
behind, headway over 4f out, ridden over 2f out, went 2nd inside final furlong, not quicken towards finish
mid-division, ridden over 4f out, soon weakened
chased leaders, ridden over 5f out, weakened over 4f out
always behind
mid-division, ridden over 5f out, soon behind
A typically competitive classified stakes race in which several of the 13 runners hold claims including Tasneef, Banningham Blaze and Top Trees but a chance is taken with Croix de Guerre. The selection has done well over hurdles of late for Philip Hobbs and is interesting on his return to the level. If he can carry the improvement that he has shown over timber back to the flat, the four-year-old should be too good for his rivals today. Tasneef has every chance on his best form, having slipped to an attractive mark, but has given little sign of encouragement of late. Tony Carroll's Banningham Blaze has been running consistently well in claimers recently but this looks tougher and a bigger threat may come from Top Trees. The six-year-old is not easy to catch right but has every chance at the weights and should be suited by the drop back in distance. Lazzaz was able to dominate from the front in an apprentices' handicap here last time but is less likely to be able to do so today and this looks tougher. Lunar Lord is better than his last time out effort would suggest and he is another worthy of a mention but the vote goes to Croix de Guerre, who is taken to make a winning return to the flat.
