led at steady pace, under pressure 3f out, hard pressed 2f out, headed narrowly over 1f out, soon one pace
took keen hold, tracked leaders on inside, progress on outer going well to lead just over 1f out, soon clear,and eased well inside final furlong
tracked leader, led narrowly over 1f out, soon headed and outpaced, no chance with winner
A poor turnout for this conditions stakes, but all four are in with a shout, and Ascertain just shades it for us, with Chasing The Dream and Skidmark given as the best alternatives. Nick Littmoden's charge just failed by a head to give Skidmark 13 pounds when they met over course and distance last time. They are off level weights today so Ascertain should easily reverse the form. Chasing The Dream was an impressive winner from Jumeirah Scarer over the mile trip last time, she will come on for that outing and should relish this extra two furlongs. The field is completed by Countrywide Flyer who saves his best form for Southwell and is well held by Skidmark on previous running here. So a terrific race that may turn into quite a tactical affair and Ascertain, with the in form Darryll Holland on board, gets the vote
