chased leaders, challenged from 3f out until weakened quickly over 1f out
keen hold, tracked leaders on inner, ridden to lead just inside final furlong, soon headed and not pace of winner, kept on
prominent, ridden and every chance 2f out, weakened quickly final furlong
fluent into stride, raced on inner, never better than mid-division
close up, effort to chase leaders inside final 2f, unable to quicken final furlong
held up well in rear, still plenty to do 2f out, rapid headway on outer over 1f out, finished well, never reached leaders
held up and always behind, well behind final 3f
held up in mid-division, not much room inside final 2f, headway and squeezed through inside final furlong, finished well
held up in mid-division, headway when not clear run from 2f out, until inside final furlong, ran on, never able to challenge
in touch until weakened 2f out
held up in rear, good headway on wide outside over 1f out, edged right, strong run to lead inside final furlong, kept on well
took keen hold, raced wide, held up, switched right to inside, inside final 2f, ran on well final furlong, never nearer
mostly tracked leader, led 2f out to just inside final furlong, weakened
started slowly, held up well in rear, headway and staying on one paced when hampered inside final furlong
always rear, tailed off final 3f
mid-division, effort on outer and hung right from 2f out, no impression
A very tough handicap where plenty hold solid claims. The shortlist includes: Impeller and Omaha City, who have both gone well here in the past and have solid claims at the weights. As do Nashaab and Highland Reel, who are both consistent performers that can be relied upon to give a good account of themselves. However, marginal preference is for Hit's Only Money, who racked up a nice little sequence last season and arrives here on the back of a fair effort in defeat on his reappearance earlier in the month. The Paul Blockley-trained gelding has a useful turn of foot, that will suit him well as things unfold today, and he could be hard to peg-back if he avoids trouble in running today. The first race will give a good guide to how the draw will effect the outcome and it could also pay to factor in a small investment on Captain Saif, as he is well berthed on the far side rail. The Richard Hannon-trained colt struggled with the handicapper last term and failed to win a race as a result. However, he is now a year older and has reportedly strengthened up over the winter so, like Hit's Only Money, he is worth a small wager if there is confidence from the betting ring to back up his claims.
