held up, ridden, lost place over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
led 4f, chased leader, ridden, lost place over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
held up, headway on outside 5f out, ridden 2f out, soon weakened
chased leaders, ridden over 1f out, no impression final furlong
tracked leaders, smooth headway 3f out, led well over 1f out, driven clear final furlong
held up in rear, switched outside, headway 3f out, ridden to 2nd entering final furlong, kept on, no impression on winner
mid-division, headway on inside over 4f out, ridden 2f out, soon no impression
in touch, led after 4f, quickened 3f out, ridden, headed well over 1f out, kept on same pace
This is a competitive handicap which may go the way of Jaafi, with Raze and Grand Course the pair that should give him the most to do. Jaafi hails from a family which has shown it's best form on soft ground but he showed his ability to handle a faster surface when beating Desert Stream at Redcar last time and this unexposed colt looks to be well-treated on his handicap debut. Grand Course won well last time when beating Rathor at Epsom and there is no doubt that she will relish this longer trip tonight. However, the maiden she won last time looked to be quite average and she will need to improve to get competitive here. Raze showed promise on her first two starts but was then well-beaten on her handicap debut at Redcar last time. She may be capable of better than that but we are happy to oppose her on this occasion. Love Beauty has got ability but has had plenty of chances and is beginning to look exposed, and for the winner we will stick with Jaafi.
Raze 7-2 (9-3) Led, headed over 3f out, soon ridden and lost place, weakened final furlong, 6th of 7, 10l behind Given A Choice (9-3) at Redcar 1m 3f 3yo hcp (4) gf in May.
Love Beauty (USA) 25-1 (8-7) Led, ridden and headed entering final furlong, weakening when not much room inside final furlong, 7th of 17, 3 1/2l behind Valance (9-4) at Carlisle 1m 4f hcp 0-80 (4) gf in Jun.
Grand Course (IRE) 9-2 (8-9) Close up, ridden over 1f out, ran on to lead inside final furlong, eased near finish, won at Epsom 1m 2f 3yo mdn (5) gf in Jun beating Rathor (9-0) by 1/2l, 6 ran.
Desperation (IRE) 66-1 (8-2) Chased leaders, ridden along 3f out, weakened over 2f out, 7th of 9, 12l behind Front Stage (8-13) at Windsor 1m 2f 3yo hcp (2) gd in Jun.
Torrens (IRE) 16-1 (9-2) Mid-division, ridden 3f out, headway over 1f out, kept on same pace final furlong, 4th of 12, 3l behind Real Cool Cat (8-1) at Leicester 1m 2f 3yo hcp (5) gf in Jun.
Jaafi (IRE) 11-4 (8-8) Chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, hard ridden to lead inside final furlong, kept on under pressure, won at Redcar 1m 3f mdn aut stk (6) gf in Jun beating Desert Stream (9-8) by 1/2l, 10 ran.
Halla San 9-2 (7-9) Tracked leaders, headway 3f out, led over 2f out, soon ridden, headed and no extra inside final furlong, 4th of 9, 2 1/2l behind Tedstale (9-5) at Thirsk 1m 4f hcp (4) gf in Jun.
Just Waz (USA) 9-1 (8-10) Held up towards rear, never a factor, 6th of 7, 22l behind Toldo (9-4) at Ripon 1m 4f 3yo hcp (4) gf in May.
