led, ridden over 2f out, headed over 1f out, soon weakened
held up towards rear, ridden over 2f out, effort when not clear run approaching final furlong, stayed on well towards finish
in touch, ridden and hung badly left over 2f out, soon weakened
mid-division, ridden over 2f out, headway under pressure over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong
tracked leaders, pushed along over 3f out, effort over 2f out, kept on one pace final furlong
towards rear, never dangerous
in touch, ridden over 3f out, effort over 2f out, no extra final furlong
in touch, effort over 2f out, one pace final furlong
mid-division, headway and effort 2f out, one pace inside final furlong
tracked leader, led over 1f out, soon clear, stayed on well final furlong
This can be narrowed down to less than a handful and top weight Zarzu gets the vote to get back to winning ways, with recent winners Differential and Shifty likely to battle for minor honours with Efidium. The selection has been a victim of his own consistency, with just one maiden win to his name so far and plenty of good placed efforts. Now on a mark of 75 after being dropped a few pounds lately, he gets in here with a real chance. Bearing in mind he had run very well off marks in the low 80s and that he loves fast ground, he can get his nose in front at last. The minors should be fought out by the other three. Differential is a 7f specialist and on a hat-trick after wins at Southwell and Catterick, but will need a lifetime best to land this, while Shifty has a tough task after a 6lb penalty for winning at Thirsk last time. Meanwhile Efidium is another who loves this trip and ground, but is on the same mark as when second at Redcar last time and just looks to be in the handicapper's grip at present, so we will take a chance with Zarzu.
