always behind
held up, effort and not much room over 1f out, ran on final furlong, nearest at finish
held up, ridden over 2f out, not much room over 1f out, stayed on final furlong
mid-division, ridden over 1f out, every chance entering final furlong, stayed on same pace
chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, no impression
dwelt, towards rear, headway over 2f out, ridden and one pace final furlong
in touch, ridden 2f out, every chance entering final furlong, one pace
prominent, ridden 2f out, no extra final furlong
mid-division, ridden over 2f out, one pace final furlong
in touch, ridden and every chance approaching final furlong, stayed on same pace
led, ridden and headed over 1f out, soon beaten
in touch, ridden to lead over 1f out, headed inside final furlong, kept on
dwelt, towards rear, never dangerous
chased leaders to halfway
behind, never a factor
held up, pushed along halfway, ridden over 1f out, ran on to lead inside final furlong, kept on
Striking Ambition is well treated judged by official BHB ratings and is preferred to Monsieur Bond and Capricho. The selection is equally effective over five and six furlongs, goes on any ground and is again the choice of Darryll Holland, who has ridden the son of Makbul in three of his four wins. He gets the nod over Monsieur Bond. Brian Smart's colt would ideally want a furlong extra to show his best form so a bigger threat may come from John Akehurst's Capricho, who showed progressive form in some big handicaps last season. Fire Up The Band also had decent form in the similar races last season but his trainer David Nicholls is not known for his success at this stage of the season. Ian Semple's course and distance winner Chookie Heiton and Tim Easterby's Golden Nun are others to consider but the vote goes to Striking Ambition, who holds solid claims.