in touch, ridden to press leaders over 1f out, no extra final 75 yards
prominent, ridden to lead 1f out, driven out
slight lead, definite advantage 2f out, headed 1f out, weakened final furlong
started slowly, good headway on inside, squeezed through to hold every chance 1f out, faded final 75 yards
slow into stride, headway halfway, kept on under pressure final furlong, took 3rd near finish
dwelt, soon with leader, weakened 1f out
held up in rear, headway on wide outside over 1f out, ran on, never nearer
towards rear, ridden halfway, hampered on rail 2f out, stayed on again inside final furlong, never in challenging position
pressed leaders on outside, ridden 3f out, soon weakened
Melody Master has struggled since getting off the mark here in January, but the Handicapper is beginning to relent a little and that, combined with the drop in class, should see him go close. Dancing Forest has been somewhat disappointing and needed to drop into claiming company to get off the mark. However, he may have stepped up on that effort last time had he anything like a clear run, for he was still travelling well enough turning for home, before having the door closed on him and when the gap finally appeared the leaders were beyond recall. This step up in trip should suit and he is taken to win a moderate contest. Just in front of him that day was Leitrim Rock, who looks to have it all to do with the selection on these revised terms and a bigger threat may come from Nuzzle, who will appreciate a return to this trip having failed to last home over 10-furlongs last time.
