STAXTON ran well enough in the Gimcrack at York without threatening and this is easier. The shorter trip could suit if handling today’s going. Sankari Royale faces a more difficult task than when runner-up in a Listed race at Newbury last month but the consistent Abel Handy went close at York last time and is still improving. Neola won a handicap at Goodwood in soft ground before floundering in a valuable sales race at Doncaster last week while both Rebel Assault and It Dont Come Easy have plenty to find on these terms with the selection.
Abel Handy (IRE) 10-1 (9-0) With leader, ridden to lead narrowly over 1f out, kept on under pressure inside final furlong, headed near finish, 2nd of 12, 1/2l behind Sound And Silence (9-3) at York 5f lst stks (1) gd in Aug.
It Dont Come Easy (IRE) 12-1 (9-1) With winner until over 1f out, ridden and weakened inside final furlong, 6th of 10, 8l behind Havana Grey (9-1) at Goodwood 5f Grp 3 stks (1) sft in Aug.
Pilkington 9-2 (9-8) Held up towards rear in 6th, pushed along over 2f out, kept on same pace, 6th of 10, 11 1/2l behind One Minute (9-3) at York 5f stks (3) gf in Jul.
Staxton 10-1 (9-0) Raced centre, towards rear, driven to chase leaders towards stands side over 2f out, soon ridden, kept on same pace final furlong, no impression, 5th of 10, 4 3/4l behind Sands Of Mali (9-0) at York 6f Grp 2 stks (1) gd in Aug.
Looks A Million 40-1 (8-9) Tracked leaders, driven and outpaced 2f out, weakened inside final furlong, 9th of 12, 4 3/4l behind Sound And Silence (9-3) at York 5f lst stks (1) gd in Aug.
Neola 8-1 (8-4) Held up, ridden 2f out, never on terms, 15th of 22, 11l behind Laugh A Minute (8-12) at Doncaster 7f stks (2) gs in Sep.
Rebel Assault (IRE) 25-1 (9-0) Led and set decent pace, ridden and headed over 1f out, no chance with winner when lost 2nd inside final furlong, weakened and lost 2 places last strides, 5th of 7, 7 1/4l behind Nyaleti (9-0) at Ascot 6f Grp 3 fll stks (1) gs in Jul.
Sankari Royale (IRE) 8-1 (9-0) Towards rear, 6th halfway, no impression 1f out, soon ridden, kept on well to 4th close home, never nearer, 4th of 8, 6 1/4l behind U S Navy Flag (9-3) at Curragh 6f Grp 3 stks (1) Yielding in Aug.
