held up towards rear, stayed on from 4 out, never dangerous
held up mid-division, mistake 9th, headway 14th, tracked leaders, left 2nd 3 out, chased winner soon after, one pace
in touch, reminders 10th, weakened 14th
mid-division, ridden 12th, weakened 14th
held up rear, mistake 11th, some headway approaching 14th, soon ridden and no further impression
held up towards rear, mistake 5th, ridden 11th, weakened 13th
unseated rider, tracked leaders throughout, every chance when saddle slipped and unseated rider 3 out
led, headed 8th, ridden when hit 5 out, weakened 3 out
tracked leader, led 8th, clear 5 out, ridden 4 out, left further clear 3 out, all out when edged right approaching last, ran on
Lord Strickland is the pick over Gielgud, Hit Royal and Monty's Quest. Lord Strickland was produced with a well-timed effort to collar stablemate Saint Romble at Newton Abbot on his last outing at the end of May. He obviously does not take a great deal of getting ready as that was his first outing in 12 months, and so this relatively small break will be no inconvenience. As long as the ground remains on the good side, he should make a bold bid in this slightly higher-grade contest. Gielgud has time on his side and looks to be a stayer of promise judged by the way he ground out his latest win at Worcester, while Hit Royal steps up in trip after his Stratford victory. He has more to do here along with Monty's Quest, whose task was made easier at Perth when his closest rival fell at the last. Emperor Ross was pulled up in that contest but had consistent form last season and may run into a place at a big price. However, Lord Strickland is taken to find the improvement necessary to prevail.
