prominent, led 4f out, ridden and headed well over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
very slowly away, held up and behind, ridden 4f out, headway over 1f out, ran on well inside final furlong, nearest finish
led for 3f, ridden and weakened over 2f out
held up, steady headway from 3f out, led 1f out, driven out
mid-division, headway on outside 3f out, weakened over 1f out
steadied soon after start, held up, some late headway, never dangerous
held up in touch, lost place 5f out
prominent, ridden 3f out, one pace final 2f
led after 3f, headed 4f out, weakened 2f out
dwelt, soon prominent, led well over 2f out, headed 1f out, not quickened inside final furlong
always behind
prominent, every chance 3f out, one pace approaching final furlong
A largely uncompetitive opening contest, and it is probably just worth giving another chance to Learned Lad, with Shotacross The Bow a likely outsider to note. Learned Lad was something of a disappointment when favourite for a better race at Newmarket last time, but had earlier shaped really well at the July course when a close second to Young Safawan. He is only two pounds higher in the ratings here and is probably the best of a modest bunch. Great View has some form that would give him every chance here, but it is interesting to note that Carol Williams, who has ridden him in his last four starts, is on Reminiscent today, who appears to be better on an all-weather surface. That remark also applies to Kentucky Bullet, and a better each-way option could be Shotacross The Bow. Michael Blanshard's gelding has failed to trouble the judge this season, but is now 13 pounds lower than when placed at Salisbury this time last year, and he will have few better chances to find some prize money. That said, Learned Lad has the best recent form and he looks the safest option.
