close up, led 8f out, ridden over 2f out, headed well over 1f out, kept on
chased leaders, ridden over 3f out, soon weakened, eased when beaten over 1f out
led to 8f out, ridden over 4f out, soon weakened, tailed off final 2f
held up, effort 4f out, weakened over 2f out, eased final furlong
chased leaders, ridden to challenge 2f out, every chance final furlong, not quicken
chased leaders, went 2nd over 4f out, led and edged left over 1f out, soon clear and edged right, kept on well
held up, ridden over 3f out, never dangerous
slow away, behind, headway on outside over 5f out, ridden and brought wide over 2f out, no impression
in touch, ridden over 2f out, kept on same pace
in touch, headway over 4f out, ridden over 2f out, kept on
held up mid-division, ridden and headway 3f out, weakened approaching final furlong
A competitive opener featuring a number of in-form types including Ampoule who carries a 6lb penalty for an easy maiden success over this distance at Lingfield last week. There should be more to come from Clive Brittain's charge but this represents a sharp step up in grade and whether he can justify his lofty handicap mark remains to be seen. Glory Quest has held his form since last month's narrow course and distance victory and has place claims once again despite having to concede weight all round. Aleron failed to last home over two miles here earlier in the month but will be sharper for the outing and is one for the shortlist over this more suitable trip. In contrast, Spanish Star has yet to prove he stays this trip at this level of competition while Belinda comes here in top form and has to be respected but now looks high enough at the weights. Preference is for Critical Stage who goes well here having landed his last two starts on the course and, being relatively lightly raced, remains open to plenty of improvement so looks the one to beat off a fair mark.
