slowly into stride, mid-division, headway over 2f out, soon hung left, weakened final furlong
mid-division, weakened over 2f out
mid-division, pushed along over 3f out, soon behind
held up in touch, weakened over 2f out
held up, never dangerous
prominent, ridden to challenge over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
tracked leaders, effort over 1f out, stayed on same pace
mid-division, pulled hard early, never on terms
made all, ridden over 1f out, hung left under pressure inside final furlong, stayed on
hampered start, pulled hard in mid-division, never dangerous
went left start, behind, struggling halfway
chased leaders, driven to challenge over 1f out, kept on, not reached winner
went right start, behind, struggling halfway, never a factor
held up, smooth headway over 2f out, soon chasing leaders, weakened final furlong
Ed Dunlop has a fair record at this course and his newcomer Haasem looks worthy of a small interest in the opener; Provost and Red Current also represent powerful yards and are respected, while Nothingtodeclaire is one to monitor in the betting. The last named has winners in his pedigree and makes appeal on paper. Watch the market carefully where he is concerned. Red Current showed promise on her debut at Warwick but was then disappointing when finishing down the field at Wolverhampton when she was last seen out. She now has a bit to prove and is not one to be diving in with at cramped odds. Provost is a highly regarded type that made a pleasing, yet ultimately expensive, debut when he finished fifth at Newcastle last September. He showed inexperience that day but can be expected to be a good bit wiser this time. Mark Johnston has a knack of improving horses from their introductions and this Danehill Dancer colt should not be underestimated. However, Haasem - a half-brother to the ultra tough Sakhee - has the right profile to make an impact this season and, even though he makes a much belated first start at the age of four, he is fancied to reward the patience shown to him sooner rather than later.
Haasem (USA) Seeking The Gold colt, half-brother to numerous winners up to 1m4f including the outstanding Sakhee.
Gyration (IRE) 16-1 (9-0) Towards rear, never a factor, last of 12, 45l behind Al Shemali (9-0) at Newcastle 7f 2yo mdn (5) gs in Oct.
Korty 50-1 (8-10) Always towards rear, last of 13, 17l behind Wi Dud (8-13) at York 5f 2yo mdn auc (4) gf in Jun.
Northern Jem 40-1 (9-0) Dwelt, in touch, ridden 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 6th of 8, 7l behind Charlie Farnsbarns (9-0) at Ascot 7f 2yo stk (2) gs in Oct.
Nothingtodeclaire Tobougg colt out of a moderate racemare.
Provost Evensfav (9-3) Close up on outside, ridden and effort 2f out, one pace final furlong, 5th of 9, 2l behind Centenary (9-3) at Newcastle 1m 2yo mdn (5) gd in Sept.
Royal Rock Sakhee gelding, half-brother to 6f winner Gold Express.
Red Current 7-2 (9-0) Went left start, held up in mid-division, ridden 2f out, no headway, 8th of 10, 7l behind Situla (9-0) at W'hampton 7f 2yo mdn fll aut (6) pol in Nov.
