held up, ridden and headway over 1f out, soon switched left, ran on nearest finish
with leader, soon hung right, ridden over 1f out, soon weakened
behind, ridden and headway over 1f out, stayed on, not reach leaders
led after 1f, ridden and headed 1f out, no extra inside final furlong
mid-division, headway 2f out, ridden to lead 1f out, headed inside final furlong, ran on
mid-division, effort over 1f out, soon one pace
towards rear, ridden 2f out, hung left, stayed on well inside final furlong, never nearer
A typical five furlong handicap where there is nothing obvious that leaps off the page as a selection and we will take a chance on Brave Burt to see off A Little Bit Yarie, Johnston's Diamond and Cape Royal. The selection excels at the minimum trip and seems to go on any ground, so whether it rains more or not he should not be inconvenienced. The draw from stall 10 is the big worry, while his mark of 83 is making it more difficult to win with him lately. However, is he gives his running he can overcome those factors on ground that will not suit others so much, and we will tentatively side with him. A Little Bit Yarie is a consistent sort who also won't mind the ground, but has struggled in this sort of company of late and may be best watched until he gives his best running again. Topweight Johnston's Diamond is more used to six furlongs than this and has been well beaten on his two latest starts. However, dropped in class again, the form of his defeat to Steel Blue at Ripon in May would still give him a chance if he has the speed over the minimum. Cape Royal will also be much happier in this company than of late and Linda Ramsden's gelding will be happy enough with any cut and has a decent draw. However, he is weighted up to the hilt and while we expect a good performance, Brave Burt looks the one to be on.
