chased leaders for 8 furlongs
held up, always behind
tracked leaders, ridden to lead over 1f out, headed just inside final furlong, not quicken
led until headed over 1f out, weakened final furlong
always behind
held up in touch, headway 2f out, ridden to lead just inside final furlong, soon clear
prominent, ridden 3f out, soon lost place and behind
always behind
in touch, effort on inner and driven 2f out, pressed leaders over 1f out, not quicken
towards rear, no chance final 2 furlongs
always behind
behind most of way
tracked leaders, ridden and every chance 2f out, weakened approaching final furlong
held up towards rear, good headway on wide outside over 1f out, strong run final furlong to take 2nd near finish, not reach winner
mid-division, no headway final 2 furlongs
held up in rear, headway on wide outside 2f out, never reached leaders
always rear, tailed off final 3 furlongs
prominent until ridden and weakened over 1f out
Blackmail has slipped to an attractive mark and is taken to make the most of the handicapper's leniency, getting the vote over Temper Tantrum and Fantasy Crusader. The last mentioned has claims on the pick of his form and comes here fresher than most after a six-month break but is 10lbs higher than when scoring at Lingfield over this trip in August (although only 3lbs higher than when going in at Good wood subsequently over a slightly shorter trip) and may be best watched at present. Golden Square is capable but inconsistent, while Cronkyvoddy is lightly raced and open to improvement. Mr Whizz has run well on his last two visits here and is another to consider along with recent Lingfield winner Temper Tantrum, although he has more to do back on turf now. Dagola and Eijaaz are others worthy of a mention but the vote goes to Blackmail, who is taken to make the most of his favourable mark.
