slowly into stride, soon outpaced
mid-division, ridden and headway halfway, weakened and eased final furlong
in touch, ridden to lead over 1f out, soon clear
chased leaders, ridden halfway, weakened over 2f out
started slowly, outpaced
prominent, ridden and every chance over 1f out, weakened final furlong
behind final 4f
soon outpaced and driven along, headway over 1f out, stayed on well inside final furlong, nearest at finish
towards rear, headway halfway, ridden to chase winner and edged left over 1f out, not paced to challenge
Recent French import Imperative is an interesting runner, as is the penalised Prince Of Gold, but a chance is taken with Fibresand debutante Fiveoclock Express to continue the fine recent form of Newmarket handler Chris Dwyer. The selection comes here in good form having been runner-up to Arzoo at Yarmouth in the week, where the small field and muddling pace didn't play to his strengths. Prior to that effort he had run well enough, from a poor draw at Lingfield and a repetition of either of those efforts should be good enough. Imperative, placed in a couple of minor events in France, doesn't look particularly well treated for this English debut, but he is trained on the track and is one to keep an eye on if the market speaks in his favour. Dual-course winner Miss Champers isn't badly treated on the best of her All-Weather form, but her recent efforts on turf haven't been inspiring, while Prince Of Gold has proved a real money spinner for his yard this term, winning three times. He has more to do under his penalty, but he is still well-in compared to his turf rating. Best Before has clearly shown more at home, rather than on the course as he has been a beaten favourite on no less than three occasions, twice at odds on. He may well attract plenty of support in this, but we will stick with Fiveoclock Express, who looks better value.
