keen hold, in rear near side, never dangerous
chased leader far side, led group over 2f out, ran on but not on terms with near side final 3f
held up rear of near side, headway when short of room over 1f out, stayed on same pace
in mid-division near side, ridden and no extra final 2f
in touch near side, ridden over 2f out and soon weakened
held up rear of far side group, headway and not much room 3f out, chased group leader over 1f out, kept on, not on terms with near side final 3f
in touch far side until lost place over 3f out
close up on near side, kept on same pace final 2f
in rear of near side group, effort on outside and stayed on from over 1f out, never able to challenge
held up in rear near side, switched right and kept on from over 1f out, never reached leaders
with leader near side, weakened quickly over 2f out
soon prominent near side, led 2f out, ran on well
close up near side, ridden to chase winner inside final furlong, kept on one pace
mid-division near side, headway 2f out, stayed on final furlong
mid-division near side, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
led far side group to over 2f out, soon weakened
raced far side, behind, ridden over 3f out and soon struggling
prominent far side, weakened over 2f out
prominent far side, ridden 3f out, weakened quickly
close up near side, weakened and behind final 2f
keen hold in touch near side, weakened over 2f out
led far side group and on terms to 3f out, headed over 2f out and weakened rapidly
held up near side, headway 2f out, chased winner over 1f out to inside final furlong, one paced under pressure
held up near side, never dangerous
raced near side and always in rear
soon crossed over to lead near side, headed 2f out, chased winner to over 1f out, one paced final furlong
held up rear far side, effort 3f out, no extra over 1f out
touched far side, weakened rapidly 2f out and eased
chased leaders near side until weakened over 1f out
One of the great handicaps of the year and as per usual a maximum turnout. With the runners spread across the course it is difficult to know which side will have the advantage, but of those drawn low Macadamia, Tough Love, Selective and Serieux are of interest, while on the far side Colisay, Funfair and Atlantic Ace look some of the more likely contenders, with Atlantic Ace looking value to overturn the likely hotpot Funfair. Bryan Smart's six-year-old isn't the easiest of rides as he has to be played late, something he shouldn't find too difficult here. He certainly looks well treated with Funfair on their running at York, where it was nearly impossible to come from off the pace. He meets his rival on 15lbs better terms for a seven length beating, taking into account his riders claim, and as this track should be more to his liking, he looks a sporting choice in a wide open event. Funfair's chance is there for all to see, but at current odds he represents no value. Colisay has several decent efforts to his name and isn't out of this despite top weight. However, he is now on a career high mark, and it would be a surprise if there isn't something better treated. Macadamia is improving leaps and bounds and was very impressive when landing a Listed event at Ponterfract earlier this month. However, while that wasn't the strongest of Listed races, she still comes into this with a live chance, despite her penalty. Tough Love is another on the upgrade and will be well suited by prevailing conditions. However, Tim Easterby's charge has risen 19lbs since the start of the season and is another who may find others better treated. Selective has been a little unlucky in that he keeps taking a hike in the ratings, without actually winning. This large field will hold no fears for him and is just one of the many to have on the shortlist. Hallion looks to have been laid out for this and with Mick Kinane doing the steering is sure to attract support, while the unexposed five-year-old Morahib, whose main claim to fame is that he leads Nayef in his work, could turn out to be treated off his current mark and is one to keep an eye on, as is course and distance winner Serieux, who will have the assistance of Pat Eddery.
