led, ridden 3f out, headed well over 2f out, weakened quickly
chased leaders, ridden over 3f out, soon weakened
held up, steady headway 5f out, ridden 3f out, went 3rd well over 1f out, weakened
in touch, ridden and slightly outpaced over 3f out, stayed on inside final furlong
always towards rear
held up, ridden and headway 2f out, no progress approaching final furlong
dwelt, ridden and headway on outside over 2f out, one-paced final furlong
held up in touch, ridden 4f out, soon no dangerous
mid-division and keen early, ridden and behind 4f out
always prominent, ridden to chase over 2f out, led inside final furlong, eased close home
slowly into stride, held up in touch, ridden 4f out, soon weakened, tailed off
pulled hard with leader, ridden to lead over 2f out, headed and no extra inside final furlong
This looks sure to be an informative affair but is not a race to go over board with regard to the worth of the form in the future. Dark Champion was handed a rating of 77 after coming within a whisker of getting off the mark in maiden auction at Musselburgh in July, but has subsequently disappointed and thus finds himself set to race off a 5lb lower mark today. His over all profile does not make him on to trust implicitly and he may again be one to swerve against some lesser exposed types. The same sentiments apply to a lesser degree with Dashing Gent and Longmeadows Boy, who have shown a modicum of ability but yet to really sparkle on the racecourse. Princess Shoka has an undoubted chance at the weights and will be interesting if she is supported. But the TEAMtalk selection is Magenta Rising, who was denied only by the Wolverhampton stewards over course and distance last time. If Jamie Spencer can avoid trouble in running aboard her this time around, the College Chapel filly is taken to score in this pretty average contest. Luke After Me should benefit from the step up in trip and will not be too harshly assessed if making an eye-catching third appearance for the handicap mark.
