tracked leaders, ridden over 2f out, weakened well inside final furlong
chased leaders throughout, kept on one pace
towards rear, ridden 2f out, stayed on, edged left from over 1f out
in touch, headway over 2f out, led over 1f out, pushed out
mid-division, not clear run over 1f out, switched right and kept on again towards finish, no chance
led, headed over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong
towards rear, never a factor
held up, headway on outside over 2f out, kept on to chase winner inside final furlong
tracked leaders, weakened approaching final furlong
towards rear, never a danger
mid-division, ridden over 2f out, kept on
Nonrunner
Mambazo gets a narrow vote over Mistral Sky, Balerno, Grand Palace and Punching in an open affair. Mambazo was fancied at Wolverhampton ten-days ago, but had no luck in running and had to be content with third place. He lines up fit and fancied, and is undoubtedly well treated on last season's form. In addition, Richard Kingscote, who has won on him before, is back in the saddle, and he should make a bold bid to make amends. Mistral Sky ran well enough at Nottingham last time, and if getting into his stride quickly, can get across from his wide draw to figure prominently. Balerno had no chance from his low draw at Nottingham last time, and is dropped back in trip today. He will be helped by a strong pace. Grand Palace blew his chance at Kempton by running wide at the bend, but prior to that had been in good form, while Punching takes on older opponents but hails from a very shrewd yard. All in all, plenty in with chances then, but we return to Mambazo as the answer.
Hello Roberto 16-1 (8-10) Mid-division, ridden halfway, one pace, 6th of 11, 5l behind Mimi Mouse (10-0) at Thirsk 5f fll hcp (5) gf.
Mistral Sky 8-1 (9-9) Raced stand side, prominent, ridden to challenge over 2f out, led stand side group over 1f out, kept on well no chance with centre group, 4th of 15, 2 1/2l behind Dakota Rain (9-11) at Nottingham 6f hcp 0-65 (6) gf.
Duke Of Milan (IRE) 9-2 (9-12) In touch, hard ridden 2f out, soon beaten, 9th of 13, 6l behind Charming Ballet (9-7) at Lingfield 6f hcp 0-65 (6) gf.
Mambazo 9-2jt-fav (9-2) Held up, not clear run over 1f out, headway inside last, finished well, 3rd of 13, 3l behind Monte Major (9-3) at W'hampton 5f hcp 0-60 (6) pol.
Balerno 7-1 (8-10) Raced far side, chased leader, effort over 2f out, stayed on well final furlong, no chance with stand's side, 5th of 16, 10l behind High Ambition (8-12) at Yarmouth 7f hcp 0-65 (6) gf in Apr.
Grand Palace (IRE) 7-1 (8-5) Held up in touch, weakened over 1f out, 8th of 10, 4 1/2l behind Generator (8-13) at Kempton 7f hcp 0-70 (5) pol in Feb.
Bens Georgie (IRE) 6-1 (9-3) Raced centre, towards rear, joined stand's side group halfway, headway 2f out, every chance over 1f out, unable to quicken inside final furlong, 7th of 17, 2l behind Vegas Boys (10-0) at Lingfield 6f hcap (6) gf.
Sands Crooner (IRE) 20-1 (9-3) Dwelt, always behind, 11th of 14, 4l behind Compton Classic (8-6) at Carlisle 5f hcp 0-70 (5) gs.
