mid-division, ridden halfway, never dangerous
chased leaders over 4f
tracked leader, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
always towards rear
always prominent, ridden over 1f out, led inside final furlong, stayed on
chased leaders, outpaced halfway
held up, ridden and headway 2f out, stayed on final furlong
outpaced, ridden and headway over 1f out, stayed on inside final furlong
led, ridden and headed inside final furlong, no extra
pulled hard, chased leaders, weakened over 1f out
rear at start, slowly into stride, pulled hard, held up, headway over 2f out, ridden and every chance over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong
towards rear, ridden halfway, headway over 1f out, kept on on one pace
Not disgraced in better company than this at Sandown last time, Mandarin Spirit is worth another chance with Ziet d'Alsace and Aries rated the main dangers. The selection showed progressive form with handicap wins at Catterick and Wolverhampton last month and lost no caste in defeat off his new mark behind Binanti at the Esher venue last time. Dropped 3lbs since, the mount of Seb Sanders looks the one to be on. The Stuart Williams-trained Bob's Buzz is less exposed than most and cannot be discounted completely along with recent Chepstow winner Caerphilly Gal. Giles Bravery's Ziet d'Alsace has been given a chance by the handicapper and is another to warrant respect but the biggest threat may be Aries. Formerly with Mick Channon, the daughter of Big Shuffle has only had two starts this term since joining the yard of Mark Wallace. Placed on each occasion, she is entitled to be thereabouts again but preference is for Mandarin Spirit, who holds solid claims.
