tracked leaders, ridden well over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong
with leader, ridden well over 1f out, led inside last, kept on well, driven out
soon chasing leaders, ridden 2f out, weakened final furlong
led, ridden 2f out, headed inside final furlong, kept on
mid-division, ridden 2f out, weakened final furlong
outpaced towards rear, never dangerous
slowly away, behind and never dangerous
went right start, in touch, ridden well over 1f out, stayed on inside final furlong
behind, switched right over 2f out, ridden and weakened over 1f out
This is quite a decent sprint handicap and Rudi's Pet can roll back the years by taking first prize, Frascati and Champagne Cracker can chase him home. The David Nicholls trained eleven-year-old has shown he still has a race in him following two excellent efforts. He was only just touched off by Pulse at Beverley last time and he can go one better today. Frascati ran well at Chester last time and is steadily dropping down the weights. He has been successful over course and distance and will be hard to keep out of the places this afternoon. Champagne Cracker is improving with every race and was only beaten two and a half lengths by Dizzy In The Head at Hamilton recently. The stable always have to be respected here and a big run can be expected. Indian Spark is no spring chicken himself but is another with form claims, however we will side with the other old timer and that is Rudi's Pet.
Wanchai Lad 11-4fav (9-7) Mid-division, pushed along halfway, no impression, 7th of 11, 11l behind Whinhill House (9-3) at Carlisle 5f hcp (4) frm in May.
Rudi's Pet (IRE) 7-2jt-fav (9-9) Led, ridden over 1f out, kept on until headed well inside final furlong, no extra close home, 2nd of 11, 1/2l behind Pulse (8-12) at Beverley 5f hcp (5) gf in Jun.
Frascati 14-1 (8-7) Held up in rear, not clear run 2f out, switched right and headway over 1f out, stayed on, never reached leaders, 5th of 9, 3 1/2l behind Handsome Cross (9-8) at Chester 5f hcp (4) gd in Jun.
Strensall 4-1 (10-1) Mid-division, effort over 1f out, no impression and eased inside final furlong, 7th of 13, 5l behind Law Maker (8-6) at Catterick 5f hcp (5) frm in Jun.
The Leather Wedge (IRE) 13-2 (9-4) Chased leaders stands' side, ridden 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 10th of 15, 8l behind Strensall (9-6) at Thirsk 5f hcp (5) gf in Jun.
Mister Marmaduke 20-1 (8-9) With leader, ridden approaching 2f out, soon weakened, 6th of 7, 15l behind Mecca's Mate (9-7) at Ayr 5f hcp (4) gs in Jun.
Indian Spark 33-1 (8-5) In rear far side group, ridden and headway 2f out, one pace final furlong, no chance with stand's side group, 10th of 15, 11l behind Ice Planet (8-8) at Doncaster 6f hcp (4) gf in Jun.
Blue Maeve 9-2 (9-5) Soon chased along, never a factor, last of 13, 20l behind Law Maker (8-6) at Catterick 5f hcp (5) frm in Jun.
Champagne Cracker 16-1 (8-13) Chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, kept on inside final furlong, 3rd of 11, 2 1/2l behind Dizzy In The Head (9-3) at Hamilton 5f hcp (5) gf in Jun.
Mutayam 33-1 (8-10) Mid-division, beaten from halfway, 9th of 12, 10l behind The Leather Wedge (8-9) at Hamilton 5f hcp (5) gd in May.
Alfie Lee (IRE) 50-1 (8-5) Soon into stride, chased leaders, ridden and lost place over 2f out, last of 8, 17l behind Seven No Trumps (9-7) at Hamilton 5f clm (5) gs in Jun.
