held up, ridden and headway over 4f out, weakened over 2f out
held up, headway over 2f out, ridden and chased winner over 1f out, stayed on
in touch, ridden over 3f out, weakened over 2f out
led 8f out, ridden and headed 2f out, weakened over 1f out
soon in rear
always towards rear
held up, ridden over 3f out, headway over 2f out, stayed on final furlong, nearest finish
held up, ridden and headway on inside 3f out, kept on same pace
held up, headway 3f out, led 2f out, ridden out
keen, led, headed 8f out, ridden and weakened 2f out
keen, in touch, ridden 3f out, weakened over 1f out
in touch, improved 3f out, weakened well over 1f out
slowly into stride, towards rear, kept on, never nearer
always prominent, ridden 3f out, kept on same pace
With one or two making their handicap debuts, this looks a minefield for punters. John Dunlop sets a poser by saddling both Alafdal and Lautrec. The latter finally got off the mark in a muddling contest at Redcar last month and off a 5lbs higher mark must be respected. However, his stablemate could be the one to be with, despite having to give weight away all round. Out of a mare that that won the Group 1 Fillies Mile,as well as filling the runner-up spot in the English 1000 Guineas, Alafdal is certainly bred to be better than a 74-rated handicapper. After a promising effort behind easy winner Black Falcon (winner again since off a mark of 85 when beating Nuit Sombre, who himself has gone on to win twice), he was made second favourite on the strength of that effort when disappointing at Newcastle in what was a slowly run race. He needs to be forgiven that effort, and is certainly worth another chance, off what could prove to be a lenient mark. Yalla A dual All-Weather winner looks to have something to prove on grass, but Lillie Marlene is clearly on the upgrade and is one to have on your side. However, Alafdal could have been let in lightly here and gets the vote in an open contest
