tracked leaders, joined leader 3f out, led narrowly on bit 2f out, quickened clear over 1f out, driven final furlong, just held on, all out near finish
close up disputing 3rd, pushed along 4f out, not clear run from over 2f out to approaching final furlong, ran on well when clear inside final furlong, not reach winner
set good pace, pushed along and headed 4f out, weakened 3f out
tracked leader, led narrowly 4f out, ridden and headed 2f out, weakened quickly approaching final furlong
held up in 5th, effort on outer from over 2f out, kept on under pressure final furlong
A tight race to call and the tactics will play a big role in the outcome of this Listed contest. However, Mark Johnston, who won this race last year with Legal Approach, holds solid claims of a follow up with the ultra tough Systematic, and the Rainbow Quest colt is given the nod over Researched, Compton Bolter and the lightly raced Tholjanah. The selection has already proved himself in better races than this and should appreciate the ease in grade after a couple of steady efforts in Group races this season. The four-year-old will make this a real test if he runs his usual race from the front and may have too much resilience for Researched, who profile suggests that he is due to put in one of his better efforts today. Compton Bolter is capable of getting involved for the forecast slot but that would appear to be his best hope if Systematic hits the gates running.
