prominent, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
tracked leaders going well, led 1f out, shaken up and quickened, readily
with leader, ridden well over 1f out, not much room entering final furlong, no extra
held up in rear, not clear run well over 1f out, switched right and headway when hampered and carried right 1f out, ran on, no impression on winner
led, ridden over 2f out, edged left over 1f out, soon swerved right and headed, weakened inside final furlong
held up in rear, headway 2f out, ridden entering final furlong, not matched pace of leaders
tracked leaders, ridden over 2f out, no impression over 1f out, soon weakened
Sunraider beat Little Garcon at the track last time but a 7lb higher mark in a better race asks more questions and he is taken on with the unbeaten BATED BREATH. Roger Charlton's Dansili colt has two Pontefract wins to his name but should be as effective here. Quick ground suits and a 5lbs rise in the weights for his latest success may not be enough to stop him completing the hat-trick. Sunraider fulfilled his early season promise with a comfortable win here last month however he is 6lbs worse off with the runner-up Little Garcon and he shapes as if best with a bit of cut in the ground. If the going stays quick then Marco Botti's gelding may close the gap significantly. The step back up in trip shouldn't worry Falasteen or Living It Large, whilst Rahya Class is not discounted on this first start for Jeremy Gask after a break. Another filly making her seasonal reappearance is Gouray Girl who looked progressive last year and although she finished second on three runs she looks to have nothing wrong with her attitude. Six furlongs on quick ground will suit Tasmeem, whilst Confessional is adaptable and consistent. A cracking sprint handicap that can go to Bated Breath.
Rahya Cass (IRE) 16-1 (8-12) Held up towards rear, ridden into 8th 2f out, 6th 1f out, no impression final furlong and kept on same pace, 6th of 10, 4 1/2l behind Mister Tee (9-1) at Dundalk 7f 2yo Listed stks pol in Oct.
Bated Breath 4-6fav (9-7) Held up in mid-division on outside, headway over 1f out, ridden to lead inside final furlong, held on well, won at Pontefract 6f 3yo hcp 0-90 (3) gf in Jun beating Besty (8-2) by 3/4l, 9 ran.
Living It Large (FR) 20-1 (9-5) Chased leading pair, ridden and every chance over 1f out, joined winner inside final furlong, hung left near finish, 2nd of 8, 1/2l behind Russian Rock (9-1) at Newmarket 5f 3yo hcp 0-100 (2) gf in Jun.
Little Garcon (USA) 8-1 (9-1) Steadied start, pulled hard, held up, ridden and headway over 1f out, stayed on to go 2nd near finish, 2nd of 7, 2 1/4l behind Sunraider (9-3) at Haydock 6f 3yo hcp 0-95 (3) gs in Jun.
Confessional 10-3 (9-5) In touch, headway 1f out, ridden to go 3rd inside final furlong, ran on, 3rd of 8, 1 1/4l behind Russian Rock (9-1) at Newmarket 5f 3yo hcp 0-100 (2) gf in Jun.
Secret Millionaire (IRE) 5-1 (9-7) Tracked leaders, ridden 2f out, unable to quicken over 1f out, stayed on same pace, 4th of 6, 4 1/2l behind High Spice (9-0) at Bath 5f 3yo hcp 0-85 (4) fm in Jun.
Tasmeem (IRE) 8-1 (9-1) Behind, outpaced 3f out, ridden and headway over 1f out, stayed on well under pressure inside final furlong, nearest finish, 5th of 11, 8l behind Horseradish (8-12) at Chester 6f 3yo hcp 0-90 (3) gs in May.
Sunraider (IRE) 11-4fav (9-3) Dwelt, soon close up, ridden to lead over 1f out, ran on, won at Haydock 6f 3yo hcp 0-95 (3) gs in Jun beating Little Garcon (9-1) by 2 1/4l, 7 ran.
Falasteen (IRE) 12-1 (9-10) Chased leaders, driven and outpaced 2f out, ridden over 1f out, one pace and no impression final furlong, 7th of 10, 4l behind Ryan Style (9-1) at Chester 5f hcp 0-90 (3) gf in Jun.
Gouray Girl (IRE) 8-1 (9-5) Prominent, led approaching final furlong, kept on inside final furlong, headed towards finish, 2nd of 20, hd behind Dubai Set (9-4) at Doncaster 6f 2yo hcp 0-85 (4) sft in Nov.
