lead was headed over 3f out, soon beaten
was held up, headway 2f out, ridden to stay on final furlong
towards rear, never dangerous
chased leaders, ridden 2f out, stayed on same pace
prominent, ridden over 2f out, one pace final furlong
was behind, soon driven along, was never dangerous
chased leaders, effort 3f out, no impression
prominent, ridden to lead over 2f out, was headed inside final furlong, no extra close home
tracked leaders, led over 3f out, was ridden and headed over 2f out, no extra final furlong
dwelt, was pushed along to go mid-division, ridden over 2f out, soon behind
slowly in to stride and towards rear, some late headway, but was never near to challenge
towards rear, never a factor
prominent, ridden over 1f out, ran on to lead inside final furlong, kept on
held up, pushed along halfway, ridden over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong
was held up behind leaders, not clear run over 1f out, ridden and stayed on final furlong
held up mid-division, pushed along halfway, was near to challenge
Plenty of these hold claims but those held by Yorkshire Blue stand out on his recent efforts and he is selected over Bollin Edward and Roman Maze, who are just two that can make life difficult for the selection. The same can be said of Bob's Buzz, as he shaped with plenty of promise on the all weather last time and, considering his trainer's excellent recent strike-rate, he cannot be ruled out in this company. Others that can be considered at bigger prices include Hazewind and No Grouse, who have both held their own in good company and merit a second look if money arrives to support their claims this afternoon. Roman Maze is very lightly weighted for this, only his eight try in a handicap. He has improved steadily this season and, off only a 1lb higher mark than when he finished a close second at Chester, a valid case can be laid out for him on these terms. Bollin Edward is a more experienced character that has made the frame on numerous occasions in similar contest to this. He posted a timely reminder of his capabilities last time and should not be too far away if he runs his usual race. However, he was no match for Yorkshire Blue when they met at Redcar and, although 5lb better off for just short of three lengths, he will do well to reverse the form here. Therefore, although he is not going to be the most original selection of the day, Yorkshire Blue makes far too much appeal to ignore in a race that looks to be his for the taking despite the size of the field.
