tracked leader, led over 2f out, ridden approaching final furlong, kept on until headed post
towards rear, soon chased along, never a factor
chased leaders, ridden over 1f out, ran on final furlong to lead post
held up behind leaders, ridden over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong
dwelt and behind, never dangerous
led, pushed along and headed over 2f out, ridden and no extra final furlong
held up, pushed along halfway, ridden and stayed on final furlong
towards rear, soon chased along, ridden over 1f out, one pace final furlong
Top-weight Spirit Of France is given the nod here, with Snookered Again and Hymn Of Victory both capable of making a race of it. Mark Johnston's colt followed up two promising efforts with a pillar to post victory at Ripon last time. He was hanging away from the rail on that occasion, which was probably down to greenness, so we can expect further improvement and he will be difficult to beat. Hymn Of Victory is steadily progressing and doesn't look too harshly treated. Snookered Again's recent success came on the all-weather at Southwell, but he had shown plenty if promise on his debut at Thirsk in May and looks set to play a major part here. Best of the remainder could be recent Newcastle runner-up Brace Of Doves, but Spirit Of France may have too much class and is taken to land the spoils.
