chased leaders, outpaced when not much room well over 1f out, no impression after
mid-division, pushed along halfway, ridden and weakened 2f out
held up in touch, ridden and hung right over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
slowly into stride, held up towards rear, pushed along halfway, kept on final furlong
held up towards rear, headway over 2f out, every chance entering final furlong, kept on
led for 1f, tracked leader, ridden over 2f out, no extra final furlong
held up in touch, headway and effort over 2f out, one pace final furlong
held up in touch, headway 2f out, ridden to lead over 1f out, driven out towards finish
led, ridden over 2f out, headed over 1f out, one pace final furlong
towards rear, never dangerous
towards rear, never dangerous
Not a bad little contest and one that can be taken by Neqaawi, with Commander Bond, Firebird Rising and Impulsive Bid others to consider. The selection is a rare Ben Hanbury runner at the track and we should take note, given that they often go in. Neqaawi himself is an example of that, with a course and distance success on firm ground here last time. A 7lb penalty looks surmountable given that he won by five lengths and with a bit more in hand that day, and provided he handles this easier ground he looks the one to be on. Commander Bond is another to have a look at. He will find it difficult giving weight to the selection but should handle the ground and gets this trip well judged on his fibresand win last time. Firebird Rising is a fair bit better off at the weights with Neqaawi but was well beaten by him here last time and will struggle to reverse the placings, though could make the frame, and the same can be said of Impulsive Bid, who will appreciate any further cut in the ground and would have a chance judged on his penultimate start over this trip on heavy at Newcastle. However, Neqaawi showed us enough here last time to warrant a confident vote.
