chased leader, never fluent and often jumped right, driven along when hit 6th, led after 3 out, headed when hit 2 out, led soon after last, headed near finish
tracked leaders, mistake 4th, effort approaching 2 out, beaten when hit last
chased leaders until lost place after 5th, ridden after 3 out, stayed on approaching last, led near finish
held up, headway approaching 6th, led 2 out, soon ridden, headed soon after last, no extra
led, ridden and headed after 3 out, kept on same pace
held up, ridden approaching 6th, no impression
A small field contest the opener, and our preference is for FERRANDO, marginally ahead of Gold Gun and Shanahan. Evan Williams bought the selection last summer, and sends him racing for the first time in more than two years. He knows how to place his charges following a lengthy lay-off, and this claimer looks a decent opportunity for him. First time cheekpieces are put on to keep him focussed, and the ground should suit. Gold Gun has been struggling in handicaps, but at least been finishing his races this year, unlike a number last year. The drop in trip looks a positive. Shanahan is the only course and distance winner, but that was nearly a year ago. He usually gets involved at the finish and gives backers a run for their money, but doesn't win as often as he should. Along with Gold Gun, he's his stable's only runner on the card. Evan Williams has a good strike rate here and can continue his success with Ferrando.
Gold Gun (USA) 7-1 (11-10) In touch, ridden and lost place 7th, ran on again, 4th of 9, 25l behind Downing Street (11-4) at Ludlow 2m 5f hcp hdl 0-120 (3) gd in Apr.
Just Mossie 50-1 (10-0) In touch, hampered and unseated rider 5th, in a race won by Safari Journey (11-8) at Wincanton 2m hcp hdl 0-105 (4) gf in Apr, 17 ran.
Ferrando 3-1 (11-2) Chased leaders, ridden 6th, weakened approaching 3 out, 5th of 11, 24l behind Double Default (11-2) at Ayr 2m 4f mdn hdl (4) sft in Mar '07.
Shanahan (IRE) 9-1 (9-13) Held up, blundered 2nd, some headway 3 out, soon ridden, one pace when left 4th next, 4th of 11, 24l behind Armenian Boy (11-12) at Newton Abbot 2m 6f hcp hdl 0-115 (4) gf in Apr.
Tandori 8-1 (10-4) Tracking leader when blundered and unseated rider 5th, in a race won by Prince Zafonic (11-12) at Exeter 2m 5f hcp hdl 0-100 (4) gf in Apr, 8 ran.
Joli Classical (IRE) 33-1 (10-12) In touch, weakened 4 out, fell 3 out, in a race won by Farmers Cross (11-2) at Chepstow 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-105 (4) gd in Apr, 18 ran.
