tracked leader, ridden over 3f out, weakened over 1f out
slowly into stride, soon in touch, ridden and weakened over 3f out, eased final 2f
towards rear, never dangerous
tracked leaders, pushed along over 3f out, ridden and one pace final 2f
held up towards rear, headway and effort over 2f out, one pace when not much room over 1f out, switched right and no impression
towards rear, pushed along over 5f out, ridden over 3f out, no impression when not much room over 1f out
mid-division, headway under pressure over 2f out, kept on same pace final furlong
mid-division, headway and in touch over 5f out, ridden over 3f out, no extra final furlong
tracked leaders, ridden to lead 2f out, stayed on strongly final furlong
in touch, pushed along over 5f out, weakened over 2f out
held up towards rear, headway when not much room over 2f out, effort when not clear run over 1f out, stayed on under pressure inside final furlong to dispute 2nd, no extra towards
tracked leaders, challenged 2f out, soon ridden, no extra final furlong
in touch, effort 2f out, kept on under pressure to chase winner inside final furlong
led, pushed along over 5f out, ridden over 3f out, headed 2f out, no extra final furlong
in touch, hampered 3f out, soon ridden and lost place
mid-division, pushed along and lost place over 5f out, some headway over 2f out, soon beaten
towards rear, never dangerous
A cracking renewal of this great staying handicap, and we'll just take the lightly-raced Riyadh to land the spoils for the in form James Fanshawe stable. Trained by Martin Pipe last year, Riyadh was a game winner of the Ascot Handicap over two and a half miles and is only two pounds higher in the ratings today. He has had just two runs since joining James Fanshawe, and showed he still retains all of his ability when fourth in a decent handicap at Goodwood last time. This extra two furlongs is sure to suit him, and he has the look of a horse who has been laid out for this prize. So too does Big Moment, who comes from last year's winning stable and who was second to Hugs Dancer in the Chester Cup last time, when things did not exactly go his way. Bourgeouis was fourth and Riyadh 11th that day, and Big Moment looks set to run a big race here under Pat Eddery, who would dearly love to end up in the winners enclosure on what will be his last ride in the Pitmen's Derby. Supremacy progressed well last year and hailing from the bang in-form stable of Sir Michael Stoute he has to be respected despite his lack of a run this season, while the hat trick seeking Sun Bird and the consistent pair of Mamcazma and Rahwaan cannot be ruled out lightly, but in what promises to be a great race, Riyadh is the selection for us.
