in touch, ridden 3f out, weakened 2f out
towards rear, headway halfway, effort 2f out, no extra final furlong
towards rear, headway 3f out, soon ridden and effort, weakened inside final furlong
prominent, effort and chance over 1f out, one paced final furlong
chased leaders, ridden halfway, weakened over 2f out
mid-division, headway and effort 2f out, kept on under pressure final furlong
chased leaders, ridden halfway, weakened 2f out
towards rear, never dangerous
close up, ridden over 2f out, stayed on to lead inside final furlong, kept on
in touch, pushed along over 3f out, ridden and kept on one pace final 2f
towards rear, never dangerous
missed break, towards rear, never dangerous
mid-division, ridden and weakened over 2f out
held up in rear, ridden over 3f out, kept on final furlong
in touch, ridden and effort 2f out, kept on same pace final furlong
A number of these have proved to be very hard to win with and it has all the hallmarks of a stinger for players of the Placepot. Donnas Double, Bond Millennium and Hurricane Coast are all respected as short list material but marginal preference is for Sheer Focus to spring a bit of a surprise at likely odds. The Eric Alston-trained five-year-old has hinted at a return to form of late and he is better than his form figures would suggest. He is on a very fair mark at present and is to be assisted by one of the leading apprentices on the current scene. The son of Eagle Eyed has gone well on his previous visits to Redcar and can give punters a good run for the money at an each way price. Bond Millennium is an obvious danger and is feared as the biggest danger if they go off at a furious gallop. However, he has never been the most consistent horse to follow and may still find at least one too good despite having solid claims at the weights. Efidium is another to consider as he acts on the course and goes well for Suzanne France. But an each way option with Sheer Focus may reap a fair return in a very tricky opener to the card.
