tracked leaders, ridden 3f out, weakened over 1f out
in touch, ridden over 2f out, stayed on final furlong
towards rear, ridden 3f out, headway when not much room over 2f out, switched left over 1f out, stayed on inside final furlong
chased leaders, effort 4f out, weakened over 1f out
slow into stride, behind, headway on outer over 3f out, weakened final 2f
slow into stride, always towards rear
led, ridden over 2f out, headed inside final furlong, kept on
prominent, ridden over 2f out, soon weakened
towards rear, ridden and headway 2f out, one pace final furlong
towards rear, headway on inner when not much room over 2f out, soon switched right, kept on well to lead inside final furlong
took keen hold, tracked leaders, ridden and hung left 2f out, soon weakened
A wide open handicap here with very little be tween many of the leading lights but the principals look to be Late Opposition, Ma Yahab, Badr, Sharaab and Red Birr and the tentative vote goes to Late Opposition. The selection was a good second behind Fleetwood Mac last time over 12 furlongs. This shorter trip could well be what he has been looking for and with conditions in his favour he will be hard to beat. Ma Yahab rates the main danger he showed enough in three runs over a mile last season to suggest he can win a race of this nature. The step up in trip is sure to suit and with his stable just beginning to find its stride he is worth noting in the market.Badr is another that could improve now that he tackles handicap company for the first time but he showed little in maidens and for that reason he is opposed.Sharaab was a fair sixth in a maiden behind Econium on his first run this season but he looks to have plenty of weight and is opposed on this occasion. Of the remainder Red Birr is from a yard in form and is worth a cautionary look in the market but for the winner we return to Late Opposition.
