always behind, struggling from 5th, tailed off
held up, ridden and headway 6th, close up when mistake 2 out, stayed on same pace approaching last
in touch, mistake and weakened 5th, pulled up approaching 2 out
always behind, tailed off 5th, pulled up approaching 2 out
held up and behind, smooth headway approaching 3 out, led narrowly and mistake last, held on, all out
prominent, tracked leader 3 out, every chance from 2 out, kept on under pressure flat
tracked leaders, went 2nd 4th, led after 5th, blundered and headed last, kept on flat
tended to jump right, led, mistake 5th and soon headed, weakened next, pulled up approaching 2 out
mistakes 1st and 2nd, in mid-division, reminder 4th, some headway under pressure after 3 out, no fluent next
behind, pulled up after 5th, saddled slipped
in touch, weakened after 3 out
chased winner to 4th, weakened approaching 3 out, pulled up before next
mid-division, well behind from 5th, tailed off when pulled up approaching 2 out
mid-division, reminders after 2nd, tailed off 5th, pulled up approaching 2 out
A heady mix of old characters and newcomers and Maldoun just secures the vote ahead of Saif Sareea and Ard Solus. Maldoun is a modest sort who has consistently disappointed since showing some half-decent form last year. He is always going to be difficult to place off this handicap rating so the decision to take on this grade has been made for him and with Timmy Murphy aboard, he certainly won't be given a soft time of it. Saif Sareea won a seller on debut before flopping in better grade. His yard are not in form so he may be worth opposing. Ard Solus is an interesting runner. He was a useful bumper horse in Ireland many moons ago and if Christy Roche has got him anywhere near matchfit on this reappearance, he is an obvious danger to all. Arabian Knight looks to be the pick of the two Ron Hodges runners given that Seamus Durack has been booked. He could go well at a big price. Kalanisha is another Aga Khan castoff to be sent hurdling while Fine Frenzy finished behind Saif Sareea on their last meeting but could have been closer had she not met with trouble in running. Rapt won this last year but has ran poorly since. Maldoun is given the verdict in a race where the market will give major clues as to the outcome.
