started slowly, always in rear, never on terms
tracked leader, every chance over 1f out, no extra, weakened inside final furlong
held up behind, ridden 3f out, stayed on from over 1f out, never nearer
tracked leader, effort 2f out, not quicken and weakened over 1f out
behind, headway from 2f out, stayed on to chase winner inside final furlong, always held
slowly into stride, behind, saddle slipped over 2f out, soon eased
mid-division, ridden over 2f out, no progress and weakened over 1f out
led, set good pace pressed 2f out, ridden and headed over 1f out, lost 3rd inside final furlong
prominent, ridden to lead over 1f out, driven out
slowly into stride, soon in touch, effort well over 1f out, no extra, weakened final furlong
started slowly, towards rear, headway 2f out, ran on well to take 3rd inside final furlong, no reach leaders
Nonrunner
Hammer Of The Gods can come out on top over the likes of Willhewizz, Vegas Boys and Imperium. This class 5 handicap looks pretty wide-open, but a chance is taken that Hammer Of The Gods can step up on his recent second in a similar race at Wolverhampton. Philip McEntee's seven-year-old is back on a handy mark these days, and it is only a matter of time before he visits the winner's enclosure. Willhewizz is also on the right side of the handicapper now, but seems to save his best efforts for Bath. He tried to make all at Folkestone last time but was tapped for toe, so should benefit from the extra furlong. Vegas Boys has been very consistent on the all-weather but has a poor draw to overcome, while Imperium has just been found wanting since sneaking up the weights. They appear to be the main contenders, with the vote going to Hammer Of the Gods.
Dictatrix 20-1 (9-2) Started slowly, settled in rear, headway from 2f out, kept on final furlong, nearest finish, 6th of 11, 4l behind Dvinsky (8-10) at Kempton 6f hcp 0-75 (5) pol in Apr.
Hammer of The Gods (IRE) 7-2 (9-1) Led, ridden and headed 2f out, kept on same pace, 2nd of 11, 1l behind Came Back (8-13) at W'hampton 6f hcp 0-70 (5) pol in Apr.
Russian Rocket (IRE) 9-1 (9-4) Close up, ridden well over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong, 5th of 14, 2 1/2l behind Desert Opal (8-8) at Nottingham 5f hcap (5) gf in Apr.
Methaaly (IRE) 11-2 (8-5) Chased leaders, ridden to lead inside final 2f, headed over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong, 5th of 14, 7l behind Roman Maze (9-2) at Windsor 6f hcp 0-80 (4) gf in Apr.
Vegas Boys 7-2fav (9-4) Mid-division, headway over 2f out, switched left over 1f out, soon ridden, stayed on same pace final furlong, 3rd of 14, 2 1/2l behind Maison Dieu (8-11) at Southwell 6f hcp 0-60 (6) gd in Apr.
Willhewiz 5-2fav (8-11) Led, ridden 2f out, headed inside final furlong, kept on same pace, 4th of 8, 1 1/2l behind No Time (7-11) at Folkestone 5f hcp 0-75 (5) gf in Apr.
Guilded Warrior 15-2 (9-3) Tracked leaders, ridden to chase leaders and edged left over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong, 6th of 11, 4 1/2l behind Glenbuck (9-4) at W'hampton 7f 3yo hcp (5) pol in Sept.
Imperium 13-2 (8-8) Behind, ridden over 2f out, stayed on well final furlong nearest finish, 4th of 12, 5l behind Takitwo (8-3) at Kempton 7f app hcp (5) pol in Mar.
