close up, chased leaders 6f out, ridden and every chance 2f out, weakened final furlong
tracked leader, ridden 3f out, weakened over 1f out
towards rear, ridden and headway over 2f out, weakening when short of room inside final furlong
slowly into stride, raced keen, held up, headway over 2f out, ridden and no impression from over 1f out
slowly into stride, soon chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
held up in rear, headway and hung left over 1f out, kept on one pace
led, ridden and headed over 1f out, stayed on same pace
tracked leader, lost place 5f out, soon behind
chased leaders, ridden over 3f out, driven to lead over 1f out, ran on
chased leaders 6f
A good race is in store here between Qobtaan, War Owl and Lord Chamberlain, with the latter getting a narrow vote. Lord Chamberlain had the benefit of a low turf handicap mark when opening his account in an amateurs event at Redcar in 2002, but found a second success elusive until finally returning to the winner's enclosure in apprentice company at Southwell 11 days ago. That was only his second outing since last October, and although it was in a class G affair, he should be capable of improvement. He escapes a penalty and despite the drop back in trip, can show that age is no bar to success. Qobtaan is six years younger and lines up chasing a hat-trick after winning at Wolverhampton and more recently over today's course and distance in a regional racing contest. Trainer Martin Bosley reckons that he can go on from here and he should go close as well. War Owl was having only his third outing after a 16-month layoff when finding only Najaaba too good here nine days ago, and as the third horse was six-lengths away, he could be worth following to gain an overdue win shortly. On this occasion though, we feel that Lord Chamberlain may be capable of one more victory in the twilight of his career.
