held up, headway over 2f out, soon every chance, weakened inside final furlong
held up in touch, led over 2f out, headed over 1f out, one pace
prominent, driven to challenge over 4f out, weakened over 2f out
held up, headway from over 2f out, kept on inside final furlong
held up mid-division, headway over 2f out, soon ridden, stayed on inside final furlong, always held
behind, never dangerous
tracked leaders, ridden and edged left over 2f out, led over 1f out, held on well
held up mid-division, ridden over 3f out, soon weakened
held up mid-division, raced keenly, headway over 3f out, soon every chance, weakening when slightly hampered 2f out
in touch, weakened over 3f out
held up, some headway when not clear run over 2f out, soon faded
mid-division, ridden over 3f out, soon weakened
The Michael Dodds-trained Hula Ballew is fancied to confirm his superiority over Estimate and pay for the traveling expenses down the A1 from Durham; with the lightly raced Boogie Magic a live contender to give him plenty to think about as things unfold. A solid mention also has to be passed on about Regal Gallery, who is holding his form well and does not face an insurmountable task from top weight if the best of his form is taken into consideration. Whereas the fitting of the first-time visor for Sunset Mirage looks to be a stab in the dark and he appears to be one to be wary of for the time being. A number of the rest have a few questions to answer regarding the trip and a note taking policy may be the best idea with the likes of Carriacou, Dry Wit and Carla Moon. A sneaky one at the bottom of the weights is Joint Destiny, who won a Banded Stakes race on his only other previous try over ten furlongs at Lingfield and he could also go well for each-way players who are tempted by the likely prices. His chance is enhanced with Lisa Jones booked to take the ride and her 3lb claim could be just enough to squeeze him into the frame. However, Hula Ballew makes more appeal for win only purposes at this level as he is still well treated on the best of his form. The trip is also not an issue with the selection and, considering his yard's resurgent form with older horses, Hula Ballew can do his bit to extend what has already been a profitable spell for all concerned.
