in touch, pushed along over 4f out, effort over 2f out, soon beaten
mid-division, ridden and headway over 2f out, stayed on same pace final furlong
towards rear, pushed along, headway 3f out, ridden and one pace final furlong
mid-division, ridden over 2f out, one pace final furlong
held up, headway 2f out, ridden over 1f out, chased winner final furlong
held up behind leader, led over 4f out, clear over 2f out, driven out final furlong
in touch, ridden 3f out, weakened final furlong
This isn't a strong contest and with that in mind a chance is taken with dual All-Weather winner Kirkham Abbey, who has yet to tackle a fast surface on turf. By Selkirk, there is every reason to believe he will improve for fast ground, and, as there is no doubt about his stamina over this stiff 10-furlongs he looks worth taking a chance with off a 2lbs lower mark than when last successful. No shortage of dangers including Artistry, who has several decent efforts to her name, but the worry with her is that she remains a maiden after 15 attempts. Vanbrugh has been done no favours by the raising of the weights, but this won't take much winning and he can't be left out of calculations. It would come as no surprise to see an improved showing from Crystal Seas, now that she steps into handicap company for the first time. Out of a mare that won over 10-furlongs, she will be well suited to this stiffer test and the Handicapper doesn't look to have overburdened her in allotting her a mark of 49. If she has any ability, she must surely go close. However, although he isn't straightforward, Kirkham Abbey is well treated on his All-Weather form and gets the nod, in the hope that the fast ground may bring about some improvement.
