mid-division, headway 3 out, ridden approaching 2 out, led last, all out towards finish
tracked leaders, led after 3 out, ridden 2 out, headed last, kept on under pressure towards finish
mid-division, headway when hampered 5th, ridden and every chance after 3 out, no extra approaching last
in touch, ridden 3 out, soon weakened
held up towards rear, headway 5th, chasing leaders when mistake 3 out, weakened 2 out
held up towards rear, headway approaching 2 out, soon ridden and effort, kept on one pace run-in
tracked leader, left in lead 5th, headed after 3 out, soon weakened
An open handicap can go to Kniaz but Merryvale Man, Colorado Falls, Prince Among Men, Lucky Duck and Medallist are others to consider for this extended two-mile contest. The selection is another Irish raider on this card and he looked to be going the right way when fourth in a Punchestown handicap hurdle in April. He fell on his next start but we are prepared to forgive that and, with Ruby Walsh booked, he looks set to run well. Merryvale Man likes it here and has looked progressive in winning two of his last five races. He is the type to win handicaps and can maybe be forgiven his last run as it came shortly after his previous race. The handicapper seems to have got Dinarelli just about right while King Solomon lacks a recent run. Francis Bay won well in a chase last time and it will be interesting to see how he fares back over hurdles now. Colorado Falls is not far off a winning mark so should be competitive, particularly with Tony Dobbin booked to ride. Prince Among Men is closely weighted with him based on their Kelso runs on May 5, so he can go well too. Lucky Duck ran well from a four-pound lower mark at Kelso last time and is another to consider, particularly as she will probably be better going right handed, and Medallist looked progressive when winning at Sedgefield last time and, despite being raised 13 pounds for that effort, might yet have better to come. Overall, though, we will side with the Irish raider Kniaz.
