with winner for over 3f, ridden over 2f out, no extra final furlong
held up, ridden and switched left over 2f out, some headway but soon weakened
slowly into stride and behind, reminder over 4f out, ridden over 2f out, ran on inside final furlong without being dangerous
never in contention
always in rear
reluctant to race, soon pulled up
made all, ridden over 1f out, clear final furlong easily
prominent until ridden 3f out, tailed off
always prominent, chased winner over 4f out, ridden over 2f out, beaten over 1f out
slowly into stride, held up, headway on outside over 3f out, ridden over 2f out, one pace final furlong
slowly into stride, held up, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
The weights give The Gaikwar a good chance of reversing course form with Threezedzz over this trip and he is selected to find that change of fortune that has eluded him of late. Giocoso, who bolted in at Leicester, is feared in spite of his 6lb penalty. The drop to a mile obviously suits him and a bold bid cannot be ruled out if he is in the same frame of mind today. However, his previous form does not make for the best of reading and, as he will not be wanting the ground too fast, he may be best left alone for another day. Johanian, who now races from a featherweight compared to the best of his form, is in the right hands if he is to recapture some of his old sparkle and is another to bear in mind if there are positive indications surrounding him from the market. However, his going days are very hard to predict and it may be simply that he has had enough for the time being. Threezedezz, who, surprisingly for a horse that has even tried his hand over hurdles in recent times, tackles a mile for the first time in competition today and it is difficult to assess exactly how he will cope with the trip. Which brings us back to The Gaikwar, who is ideally suited to the distance and, after series of good efforts, can finally add to his tally if all goes well this afternoon.
