tracked leaders, weakened 3f out
chased leaders, went 2nd over 3f out, challenged on bit to dispute lead over 1f out, soon ridden, found nil
held up, headway 4f out, soon chasing leaders, one pace inside final furlong
fly jumped start, in touch, led approaching final furlong, stayed on well
held up, weakened over 2f out
always behind, tailed off 5f out, soon pulled up
soon led, ridden over 2f out, headed approaching final furlong, no extra
led early, chased leader, ridden over 3f out, soon outpaced, kept on to take 2nd inside final furlong
held up, weakened over 2f out
FAIRMILE stands out at the weights here and should be too good for his opponents, of whom Invasian and Lost Soldier Three are likely to emerge as the most serious challengers. Trainer Ian Williams continues to have his string in good shape and Fairmile is a case in point, having won at Epsom over 10 furlongs last time. Although a sound surface is probably his preferred conditions, he has won on soft and over this trip, and he should have too much for the opposition at tonight's weights. Invasian arrives at the Knavesmire chasing a hat-trick and he will love the ground. A winner over this trip last time at Leicester, he has the promising Paul Pickard up and although he is 11lbs wrong with the selection compared to if this were a handicap, there have been bigger shocks in racing history. Lost Soldier Three has won a handicap off a mark of 88 and is 4lbs higher here. He is not in the best of form just lately, but has won over this trip and on similar going, so there are some positives. Demolition pops up now and again over middle distances but has a clear preference for a sound surface and so we are happy to oppose this evening. Little else appeals at these weights and Fairmile is selected.
Eseej (USA) 9-1 (9-2) Took keen hold, led, ridden and headed 2f out, weakened final furlong, 7th of 8, 11l behind Phoenix Flight (9-0) at Kempton 1m 4f hcp 0-80 (4) pol in Mar.
Fairmile 1-2fav (9-0) Tracked leader, led over 2f out, ridden and edged left over 1f out, ran on, won at Epsom Downs 1m 2f cond Stakes (3) gs beating Kaleo (9-0) by 4l, 4 ran.
Lost Soldier Three (IRE) 14-1 (9-10) In rear, ridden and weakened over 2f out, 8th of 9, 21l behind Keenes Day (9-1) at Lingfield 2m hcp 0-95 (3) pol in Apr.
Demolition 11-2 (10-0) Held up towards rear, headway approaching 3f out, soon chased leader, led briefly 2f out, driven and one pace final furlong, 5th of 7, 4 1/2l behind Conquisto (9-13) at Doncaster 1m 4f hcp 0-85 (4) gf.
Birkside 15-2 (9-6) Led, ridden and headed over 1f out, one pace, 4th of 5, 9l behind Toujours Souriante (7-12) at Hamilton 1m 5f hcp 0-85 (4) gd.
Longspur 9-1 (9-2) Held up in rear on inside, ridden over 3f out, not clear run from well over 1f out until entering final furlong, stayed on, not trouble leaders, 5th of 11, 6l behind Moment of Clarity (8-5) at Haydock 1m 2f App hcp (5) gd in Jun '08.
Invasian (IRE) 9-4fav (8-10) Tracked leader, led 7f out, ridden over 1f out, held on well, won at Leicester 1m 4f clm stks (5) gf beating Agente Romano (8-7) by 1 3/4l, 9 ran.
John Forbes 40-1 (8-13) Tracked leaders, led after 3f, headed over 4f out, weakened over 1f out, 8th of 9, 17l behind Pseudonym (9-1) at Beverley 2m hcp 0-85 (4) gf.
Realism (FR) 11-1 (9-4) Towards rear, never dangerous, 11th of 13, 32l behind Joe Jo Star (8-7) at York 1m 4f app hcp 0-80 (4) gs in Jun.
