tracked leading trio, pushed along 3f out, ridden 2f out, stayed on to lead final 50 yards
outpaced
mid-division, ridden halfway, effort 2f out, kept on same pace final furlong
in touch, ridden and weakened 2f out, soon eased
disputed lead until ridden over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong
led, ridden over 1f out, headed inside final furlong, regained 2nd post
dwelt, mid-division, switched left and headway 2f out, joined leader and every chance from over 1f out, led briefly well inside final, lost 2nd post
disputed lead until halfway, soon weakened
outpaced, kept on final furlong, never nearer
POCKET'S PICK looks the one here ahead of old rival Thoughtsofstardom, with Black Baccara also a danger. Jim Best's runner is capable of producing his best with or without the blinkers that are on today. He's put together a solid run of efforts and is off the same mark as when second over course and distance last time. Thoughtsofstardom was back in fourth that day but is actually worse off at these weights so we're happy to take on the 16-time winner on this occasion. Black Baccara looked for a long way like landing a gamble here last time and looks to have the perfect partner in Jamie Spencer. She's dropped another furlong in trip but should have the pace to cope and we expect a late flourish from the filly, although she does tend to down tools when hitting the front. Punching is better known for Southwell exploits but showed last time that he's capable of winning races off this mark on turf although perhaps over six, Bertie Southstreet is reasonably weighted and will go well if there's a strong pace to aim at while Waterloo Dock looks worth a trying over five for the first time since his debut in 2007. Plenty of these have claims but the recent course and distance form of Pocket's Pick gains him the vote.
Bertie Southstreet 14-1 (10-7) Mid-division, chased leaders halfway, edged right over 1f out, kept on inside final furlong, 5th of 16, 2 1/2l behind Fashion Icon (9-10) at Doncaster 5f am hcp 0-65 (6) gf.
Waterloo Dock 20-1 (8-6) Led, ridden and headed 2f out, weakened final furlong, last of 8, 7l behind Cativo Cavallino (8-0) at Lingfield 7f hcp 0-80 (4) pol in Jun.
Punching 7-1 (9-7) Raced far side, tracked leader, ridden to challenge over 1f out, led that group inside final furlong, weakened closing stages, no chance with stand side group, 3rd of 16, 3 1/2l behind Mey Blossom (9-7) at Thirsk 5f hcp 0-65 (6) gd in Jun.
Thoughtsofstardom 5-2fav (9-2) Tracked leader, ridden when not much room over 1f out, no extra inside final furlong, 4th of 6, 3l behind You'relikemefrank (8-10) at Yarmouth 5f hcp 0-60 (6) gf.
Pocket's Pick (IRE) 6-1 (9-4) Led, ridden 2f out, headed inside final furlong, kept on, 2nd of 6, 1/2l behind You'relikemefrank (8-10) at Yarmouth 5f hcp 0-60 (6) gf.
Socceroo 100-1 (8-9) In touch on outside, ridden over 2f out, soon weakened, 7th of 8, 13l behind Blue Jack (9-0) at Chester 5f Listed stks (1) gf.
Black Baccara 9-2fav (9-0) With leaders, led over 3f out, ridden and headed inside final furlong, lost 2nd place towards finish, 3rd of 13, 2 3/4l behind Watch Chain (8-9) at Yarmouth 6f 3yo hcp 0-55 (6) gf.
Gleaming Spirit (IRE) 33-1 (9-1) Led, ridden and headed over 1f out, soon weakened, 6th of 7, 17l behind Fromsong (9-8) at Kempton 5f clm stks 0-75 (6) pol in Mar.
Bahama Baileys 25-1 (8-9) Held up, headway halfway, ridden to lead over 1f out, headed inside final furlong, no extra near finish, 6th of 12, 1 3/4l behind Clerical (8-11) at Yarmouth 6f hcp 0-60 (6) gf.
Norse Warrior (USA) 66-1 (9-0) Started slowly, raced on outside, outpaced in rear and never a factor, 11th of 15, 12l behind Doctor Hilary (9-10) at Lingfield 6f hcp 0-60 (6) gs in Jun.
