led, ridden and headed 2f out, no extra inside final furlong
mid division, pushed along halfway, weakened 2f out
chased leaders to halfway, soon weakened
mid division, pushed along halfway, headway and effort over 2f out, led entering final furlong, stayed on strongly
slowly into stride, chased leaders, effort 2f out, weakened final furlong
close up, ridden to lead 2f out, headed entering final furlong, one paced under pressure
close up, ridden halfway, soon weakened
close up, ridden over 2f out, one paced final furlong
tracked leaders, effort over 2f out, no extra final furlong
This should prove to be a match between Futoo and Backofthenet, and the latter is just preferred. Karl Burke's two-year-old has shown ability in this grade previously, having finished second on his last two starts, and is well drawn in stall one for a bold show today. Futoo wears a first time visor and will have plenty of supporters on this drop to selling grade, but the Mike Channon-trained runner may find stall nine a shade too awkward, although his general level of form should take this southern raider close. Of the remainder, Peter's Puzzle can be expected to learn from his debut third in similar company at Catterick, and should keep on well despite an awkward draw. Foxy Diva looks another to consider from a favourable draw, but Backofthenet has strong claims on both the formbook and the draw and he is the selection.
