led, ridden and headed 3f out, no extra final 2f
held up in touch, headway and effort over 2f out, hung left and no extra approaching final furlong
held up in rear, headway over 3f out, challenged approaching final furlong, kept on one pace
prominent until ridden and weakened quickly 4f out
held up towards rear, headway 4f out, effort over 2f out, weakened final furlong
in touch, pushed along and headway over 3f out, ridden and weakened 2f out
held up towards rear, pushed along over 4f out, headway under pressure over 2f out, led entering final furlong, stayed on well
held up in rear, headway over 4f out to chase leaders, soon ridden and effort, weakened 2f out
held up in mid-division, headway 5f out, ridden to lead 3f out, headed entering final furlong, kept on under pressure
refused to race took no part
A tough opener where it may pay to give Opening Ceremony the benefit of the doubt as she bids to reverse recent form with the penalised Kid 'Z' Play, who will be a big danger to all if he is allowed an easy time of things up front. Others to consider include: Pure Mischief, who will be bidding to make a winning start for his new yard after changing hands for ¿14,000 after winning a claimer at Southwell earlier in the month. He is in good form and should be capable of getting involved despite carrying 5lb extra tonight. Kingdson is another that has thrived in weaker company in his last three outings and will also attract a fair amount of support as he bids for a quick-fire hat-trick this evening. However, this does look stiffer than some of the Banded Stakes races he has taken part in since the turn of the year and, like a number of the rest, he may struggle off a mark that he has not surpassed since his campaign as a four-year-old. Untidy Daughter is another that comes into the race with solid claims on the best of her efforts and is well worth considering if supported before the off. She does have a little to prove regarding her attitude though and she is not one to go overboard about as she bids to rid herself of the maiden tag on the Flat. Therefore, we prefer the claims held by Opening Ceremony, who has taken a couple of runs to come to hand this season. The daughter of Quest For Fame - a previous course and distance winner - has proven form on most types of going and should have no problem if the predicted rain takes some further sting out of the ground. Her chance is further enhanced by the fact that she meets Kid 'Z' Play on much more favourable terms than the last time they came into opposition, and, with her course experience sure to come into play, Opening Ceremony can get us off to the ideal start tonight.
