held up in touch, ridden to chase leaders 2f out, every chance well inside not run on
in touch, ridden to chase winner approaching 3f out, ridden soon after, weakened approaching final furlong
tracked leaders, weakend over 2f out
held up towards rear, steady headway 3f out, ridden over 1f, every chance well inside final furlong, took 2nd final strides
made all, ridden over 2f out, challenged inside final furlong, ran on gamely
held up mid-division, pushed along 3f out, stayed on final furlong
tracked leader and keen hold, ridden over 3f out, weakened over 1f out
tracked leaders, ridden and weakened over 3f out
The fact that this is a maiden handicap says it all really but we like the look of Mustang Ali over Lucky Arthur and Velvet Waters. Being the topweight, the selection sets the benchmark for the form here and, if running to the form of his third to Pagan Magic at Kempton three runs ago, has to hold a very good chance. With John O'Shea's stable in good form, Lucky Arthur, a well-bred filly, can go well as she looked to be getting the hang of things when a never-nearer fifth at Hamilton last time. She suggested there that she had better to come and, given that she races off a mark of just 59, has a good chance to confirm that view today. Velvet Waters ran well enough at Yarmouth last time to be given chances here too, while The King Of Rock, Royal Starlet and Almost Welcome are ones to have hinted at ability and, if performing to their perceived best, could run well. Overall, though, once again we will side with Mustang Ali.
