with leaders, ridden over 2f out, weakened inside final furlong
prominent, chased winner well over 1f out until well inside final furlong, no extra
always prominent, led over 3f out, clear 2f out, driven out
behind, headway on outside over 1f out, stayed on same pace final furlong, never dangerous
mid-division, headway over 1f out, went 2nd well inside final furlong, no chance with winner
outpaced, eased final furlong
led after 1f, soon headed, prominent until weakened final furlong
slightly hampered start, outpaced
led for 1f, prominent until weakened over 2f out
chased leaders for over 2f, no chance when slightly hampered inside final furlong
mid-division, ridden over 3f out, headway over 2f out, stayed on same pace final furlong
Red Leicester sprung a bit of a surprise, when making most alone on the far side, at Nottingham on Wednesday and is turned out quickly under a 6lb penalty but lack of all-weather form is of concern, so preference is for Maromito, who gets the nod over Hagley Park. The last mentioned does not know how to run a bad race here and should go well again but Mick Quinn's mare has gone up 9lbs for her most recent success and may now be in the grip of the handicapper. Like Red Leicester, Molotov has a penalty to carry but, unlike Jeremy Glover's horse, does have experience of the Fibresand. However, he made the most of a favourable high draw at Beverley last time and has more to do today. The consistent pair of Larky's Lob and Davids Mark have to be respected, although both have been running over further of late and it remains to be seen whether they will prove to be as effective dropped to the minimum trip. There are no such problems for Maromito though. Robin Bastiman's gelding has struck a rich vein of form in Banded stakes races of late and remains well treated on his old form. Disappointing back on turf last time, Maromito is worth another chance returning to the all-weather today.
