raced wide, headway to chase leaders 7f out, kept on inside final furlong, went 2nd last stride, no chance with winner
in touch, pushed along 3f out, went 2nd and hung left over 1f out, momentarily eased at half furlong mark and lost momentum, caught for 2nd post
chased leading pair, ridden to chase winner over 2f out, until over 1f out, weakened 1f out
chased leader, led 6f out, made rest, kept on well final furlong
led to 6f out, stayed close up, effort centre when rider dropped reins over 3f out, went towards inside over 1f out, one pace in 4th inside final furlong
An uncompetitive finale can go the way of FOUR KICKS, who is readily preferred ahead of Alfredtheordinary and Maximus Aurelius. The last named likes to make the running and would be dangerous if it could be guaranteed that he will gain an uncontested lead. However, a losing run stretching back three years highlights his fragile points and others may have his measure when stamina becomes the issue. Alfredtheordinary was no match for the selection when they met at Nottingham last time out and obviously faces a stiff test in his bid to reverse the form. However, he is a very reliable sort for a race of this nature and it would be very harsh to say he wasn't capable of at least holding his own against his old rival. However, Four Kicks, who has proven form at Brighton, ticks a good number of boxes as the best hope and, assuming his busy spell hasn't taken its toll, Stan Moore's charge can be a strong fancy in the lucky last.
The Dial House 33-1 (8-11) In touch, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 9th of 14, 8l behind Franco Is My Name (9-0) at Kempton 1m 3f hacp 0-70 (5) pol in Jan.
Alfredtheordinary 6-1 (9-1) Held up towards rear, pushed along 3f out, headway inside final 2f, never nearer, 5th of 12, 7l behind Four Kicks (8-5) at Nottingham 1m app hcp 0-60 (6) gd.
Maximus Aurelius (IRE) 14-1 (9-0) Mid-division, headway on inside 3f out, switched right and effort 2f out, soon ridden stayed on to chase winner 1f out, kept on same pace inside final furlong, no impression when lost 2nd near finish, 3rd of 11, 3 1/2l behind Sharp Sovereign (8-1) at Yarmouth 1m 2f hcp 0-60 (6) gf.
Four Kicks (IRE) 7-1 (8-5) Led early, chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, led well over 1f out, edged right approaching final furlong, stayed on, won at Nottingham 1m app hcp 0-60 (6) gd beating Whipma Whopma Gate (9-6) by 1l, 12 ran.
Rosy Dawn 18-1 (8-4) Tracked leader, chased clear leader with one other 4f out and clear of the rest, ridden over 3f out, weakened over 1f out, 6th of 10, 13l behind Granny Mcphee (9-4) at Brighton 1m 2f hcp 0-65 (6) gf in Apr.
Alright Chuck 66-1 (8-1) Always behind, 9th of 12, 19l behind Cote d'Argent (9-4) at Bath 1m 5f hcp 0-65 (6) gf.
