tracked leaders, ridden to lead over 1f out, headed just inside final furlong, no extra
tracked leader, hampered over 2f out and lost place, not recover
towards rear, steady headway approaching 2f out, ridden and led just inside final furlong, pushed out
led, ridden and headed over 1f out, weakened quickly
towards rear, effort over 2f out, headway to chase leaders from over 1f out, not reach
slowly into stride, mid-division, ridden over 3f out, no impression
in touch, hampered on inside 2f out, lost place, ridden and ran on again final furlong
in touch, ridden approaching 2f out, faded
in touch, driven approaching 2f out, not clear run on inside from over 1f out, not recover
slowly into stride, soon mid-division, effort approaching 2f out, chased leaders but soon one pace
tracked leaders, ridden to chase leaders 3f out, soon weakened
slowly into stride, soon in mid-division, headway on inside over 1f out, soon hampered and not clear run, switched right and ran on
towards rear and driven along, slightly hampered on bend over 1f out, ran on final furlong
A decent contest in which some of the better animals, namely A Very Good Year, Fanny's Fancy and Heidelburg have been done no favours by the draw, so with that in mind a chance is taken with Riva Royale, who is well placed in stall four. Ian Wood's filly, who got off the mark in just an ordinary maiden at Yarmouth last year,wasn't disgraced in subsequent efforts, tackling Group company. Off the course for nearly 10-months since, she made a satisfactory comeback at Sandown behind the useful Little Edward, which is sure to have brought her on plenty. She is related to a smart miler in Turkey, so this trip should be well within her compass and with her stable flying at present, she is a sporting choice. A Very Good Year is a classy colt, but does himself no favours by taking a fierce grip. However, he could turn out to be better than a handicapper, in which case he could well defy his wide draw. Fanny's Fancy, a winner over course and distance earlier this year, hasn't been seen since, but that shouldn't put anyone off as she has already proven she goes well fresh. Lightly raced she is open to improvement, but she will need to if she is to defy her draw. Heidelburg is interesting on this first venture into handicap company. He is from a stable that is flying at present, so although absent since November, fitness shouldn't be a worry. Drury Lane isn't one to trust, but he does have ability, if he cares to use it. His defeat of Merlin's Dancer at Nottingham has been made to look much better by that rival, who has won twice since.
