led, ridden and headed over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
mid-division, headway over 3f out, led over 2f out, soon ridden, headed and not quicken inside final furlong
chased leaders, not clear run from over 3f out to over 1f out, never able to challenge
chased leaders 5f
mid-division, ridden over 3f out, kept on from over 1f out, never dangerous
held up, ridden and headway over 2f out, led inside final furlong, ran on
chased leaders, ridden over 3f out, weakened over 1f out
slowly into stride, always behind
behind, reminders after 1f, ridden and headway over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
always towards rear, never dangerous
behind, effort over 4f out, soon weakened
This mile handicap, part of the RHT summer mile bonus series looks set to go to recent winner Compton Eclipse, with Eastern Dagger, Lilli Marlane and Tagula Blue holding fair claims as well. Gerard Butler's charge has been brought along steadily this season, getting fitter with each run, and culminating in a handicap debut victory at Brighton off a mark of 64. He was tongue-tied for the first time and was given a fine tactical ride by Eddie Ahern, swooping late from off the pace, and although the opposition probably did not amount to much, he can successfully defy a penalty here with everything in his favour. Michael Hills is an eyecatching booking for Eastern Dagger who nevertheless has it to do off topweight. Tagula Blue let his supporters down at Ayr but he was lucky not to come down when colliding with the rail at halfway. Not punished afterwards, he can make a bold bid to make amends. Lilli Marlane makes her handicap debut off a mark of 64, and time will tell whether that is harsh or not as she is on the same rating as the selection Compton Eclipse who will surely make experience tell.
