took keen hold, raced wide and held up towards rear, never a factor
took keen hold, held up in rear, ridden and struggling final 3f
dwelt, took keen hold and held up in rear, brief effort on outer 3f out, soon weakened
slowly into stride, pulled hard in touch, headway 2f out, switched right just inside final furlong, soon one pace and no impression on leading pair
took keen hold early, chased leader for 2f, stayed prominent until ridden 3f out and soon weakened
took keen hold, pressed leader after 2f, led over 1f out, headed inside final furlong, rallied to lead final strides
raced keenly and set steady pace, joined 2f out, headed over 1f out, weakened final furlong
slowly into stride, held up towards rear, shaken up 2f out, kept on final furlong, never able to challenge
in touch, outpaced 2f out, ridden and kept on again final furlong but no danger
Ed Dunlop sends Finders Keepers to post and he should be good enough to lose his maiden tag with Emtilaak and Instant Recall put forward as the main dangers. The selection was a beaten favourite over this course and distance last time when a close second behind Monte Major. He raced a little too keenly on that day and if he settles better here he will be difficult to beat. Emtilaak rates as the main danger as this gelding from the Ben Hanbury yard showed a good deal of promise last season, and with the step up in trip sure to suit he is a live danger to our selection. Instant Recall was only a short head behind the selection on his debut run so could go well, but we are happy to stick with our choice who was too keen for his own good in that race. King of Diamonds is the other that could be worth a second look as he showed promise on his debut when second behind Presto Shinko, and he is another that will appreciate the step up in trip. This is a fascinating contest to get proceedings underway, but we are happy to give the nomination Finders Keepers.
