made all, immediately 15 lengths clear, unchallenged, ridden out
always rear, struggling over 4f out
went moderate 2nd halfway, no chance with unchallenged winner
held up, went moderate 3rd 3f out, ridden and hit rail over 1f out
unruly in stalls, reversed and opened tailgate, unseated rider, took no part
chased unchallenged winner to 3f out, soon weakened
Birkside won well last time and can score again here at the main expense of Danceinthevalley and Savoy Chapel. The selection travelled really well in his race here last time and he could have been called the winner some way from home. Although that win came on a soft surface, this quicker ground should not be a problem for him and he is the one they all have to beat. Danceinthevalley ran a blinder in a handicap at Ripon last time when third behind Revolving World and this drop in trip should suit. However, he does tend to pull hard in his races and he will need to settle better if he is to get his head in front. Savoy Chapel is unproven over this trip so may be best watched today, while Coffin Dodger has not sparkled for a while and is opposable. We will therefore stick with Birkside who can make it back-to-back wins.
Danceinthevalley (IRE) 12-1 (8-11) Led, clear after 3f, edged left from over 3f out, headed inside final furlong, no extra, 3rd of 10, 2 1/2l behind Revolving World (8-13) at Ripon 1m 4f sll hcp (6) gf.
Ghaill Force 50-1 (9-7) Very slowly away, lost many lengths, always behind, last of 11, 24l behind Nikki Bea (9-2) at Lingfield 7f sll (6) pol in Apr.
Savoy Chapel 20-1 (9-2) Held up, pushed along halfway, never a factor, 11th of 14, 10l behind Leonard Charles (9-4) at Lingfield 7f clm (6) pol.
Coffin Dodger 25-1 (7-13) Slowly away, held up in rear, ridden 4f out, weakened 3f out, last of 9, 28l behind Broughtons Revival (9-4) at Yarmouth 1m 3f hcap (6) gd in May.
Hester Brook (IRE) 20-1 (8-6) Towards rear, ridden and effort over 1f out, kept on one pace final furlong, 4th of 16, 4 1/2l behind Gee Ceffyl Bach (8-4) at Salisbury 7f 3yo clm (5) gs in May.
Play Straight 28-1 (7-7) Mid-division, ridden 3f out, weakened over 1f out, 8th of 11, 20l behind Skye But N Ben (8-10) at Redcar 1m 3f 3yo clm (6) gd in May.
Birkside 4-1 (9-8) Held up towards rear, steady headway 4f out, went 3rd over 2f out, led over 1f out, ran on well, won at Brighton 1m 2f sll (6) sft in May beating Prince Des Neiges (9-8) by 2l, 11 ran.
