in rear, pushed along over 3f out, ridden along over 2f, headway over 1f out, stayed on same pace final furlong
led, ridden and headed over 2f out, soon weakened
tracked leaders, ridden to lead over 2f out, ran on well final furlong
tracked leaders, ridden over 2f out, weakened inside final furlong
tracked leader, pushed along over 4f out, stayed on final furlong, no chance with winner
Not a huge turnout but plenty of quality about the field with Calcutta, Freya's Dream and Island Light likely to be among the major players. Calcutta is undoubtedly the class act in the field and he has had a little break after mixing it in the desert with the Dubai horses over the winter. The seven-year-old is a quirky customer of the highest order but there is the chance that this unique circuit could maintain his interest today. Freya's Dream should have no problems with trip or going. She took a weak Fillies Handicap at Thirsk through making a decisive move off a slow pace and there is every chance similar tactics will be tried today. Mubeen is a useful animal but invariably tends to find one too good. The drop back to eight furlongs may not suit if he is lulled into a sprint finish. With Compton Dragon and Aventura looking exposed, we prefer the claims of Island Light. He finished second to the useful Tough Love in handicap company at the track and has really impressed with his attitude this term. Kieren Fallon is one of the best riders of this circuit and the pair look difficult to get away from as a betting proposition.
