prominent, chased leaders 2f out, progress to lead well over 1f out, soon clear, eased close home
led, ridden 3f out, headed well over 1f out, weakened final furlong
started slowly, held up, headway over 1f out, chased winner final furlong, always held
prominent, chased leader 2f out, soon ridden and weakened well over 1f out
held up, under pressure 2f out, not trouble leaders and weakened final furlong
held up mid-division, stayed on from over 1f out, no impression on leaders, took 3rd inside final furlong
always in rear, no chance and eased well over 1f out
held up behind, ridden and no progress 2f out, never dangerous
started very slowly, headway 3f out, wide straight, no impression on leaders from over 1f out
pulled hard, tracked leaders, ridden and weakened over 2f out, soon behind
in touch wide for 2f, soon lost place, in rear 4f out, no chance after
Blue Empire can get recent losses back, with Rowan Pursuit, African Dream and Maybe Someday seen as the main dangers. Quite a few of these have winning form to their name, including Blue Empire who was successful at Wolverhampton the time before last. That was his third career victory for Pat Haslam, after which he joined Paul Blockley, and was immediately the subject of support when put straight into a similar race to this here last week. He took a keen hold and failed to see out the mile and a quarter trip, and will be much more at home back over this two-furlong shorter journey. His overall form is the best on offer, although Rowan Pursuit is no slouch and has been successful over the track and trip in the past. Maybe Someday was just ahead of the selection last Friday and strictly at the weights has a chance, but he remains hard to win with, and a bigger threat may be African Dream. Third in a class D maiden on his debut a week ago, Paul Cole's charge has more scope than most, and with Kieren Fallon on board, will be a fairly popular choice. He is still inexperienced though and we prefer the claims of Blue Empire.
