with leader, led over 1f out, ran on well
led, headed over 1f out, kept on same pace final furlong
tracked leaders, effort over 1f out, never a threat
Nonrunner
Nonrunner
Nonrunner
Nonrunner
This is probably the most competitive race on tonight's card. Top of The Bank was entitled to win an auction event at Thirsk but that form hasn't been franked and he will find this tougher. The Commendatore bounces off fast ground but has been raised 8lb for winning at Nottingham. Tikthebox has been raised 3lb for a close second at Hamilton while Alizoom appears to be treading water off his current mark. It was heavy going when SAINTED made a winning start at Doncaster in November but that form has been boosted by the second this year so it's worth taking a chance that William Haggas' filly handles the change of ground on her reappearance.
Alizoom (IRE) 16-1 (9-5) Held up, ridden and headway over 1f out, stayed on towards finish, 4th of 14, 2l behind Wayward Hoof (9-2) at Haydock 6f hcp (4) gs in May.
Sainted 5-1 (9-0) In touch in rear, headway towards centre halfway, soon every chance, pushed along to lead towards finish, won at Doncaster 6f mdn stks (4) hvy in Nov beating Udontdodou (9-5) by 3/4l, 7 ran.
Early Bird (IRE) 13-2 (9-2) Tracked leaders, effort well over 1f out, kept on well closing stages, 3rd of 8, 1 1/4l behind Crombay (8-13) at Thirsk 5f hcp fll (5) gd in May.
Tikthebox (IRE) 18-1 (9-2) Led, pushed along halfway, ridden and headed well over 1f out, rallied and every chance inside final furlong, held near finish, 2nd of 10, hd behind Dodgy Bob (9-3) at Hamilton 6f hcp (4) gf in May.
Top of The Bank 6-4fav (9-2) Made all, switched right to race against stand rail over 2f out, strongly challenged inside final furlong, stayed on well, won at Thirsk 6f mdn stks (6) gd in Apr beating Sciarra (8-10) by 1/2l, 10 ran.
The Commendatore 8-1 (9-3) Crossed over to lead on rail after 1f, ridden and headed 1f out, rallied to lead again well inside final furlong, won at Nottingham 6f hcp (5) gf in May beating Geno (9-6) by 2 3/4l, 10 ran.
Sir Dudley (IRE) 16-1 (8-9) Tracked leader until ridden 2f out, kept on same pace, 4th of 10, 6 3/4l behind Taneen (9-4) at Leicester 6f hcp (3) gf in May.
Encantar 3-1 (9-6) Held up, ridden 2f out, headway entering final furlong, ran on, 4th of 7, 1l behind Twentysvnthlancers (9-0) at Carlisle 5f hcp (5) gf in May.
