towards rear, ridden and headway over 2f out to in touch, kept on inside final furlong
tracked leaders, ridden over 3f out, weakened over 1f out
led, headed after 4f, ridden over 3f out, weakened final furlong
tracked leader, led after 4f, ridden over 2f out, headed over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong
tracked leaders, ridden over 2f out, led over 1f out, kept on well
mid-division, ridden over 3f out, weakened over 1f out
mid-division, ridden over 3f out, soon chased leaders, kept on final furlong
in touch, ridden over 3f out, gradually weakened from 2f out
held up, ridden over 3f out, drifted to stands side over 2f out, kept on after
mid-division, ridden over 3 out, soon in touch, weakened inside final furlong
Some interesting runners in this staying handicap including the three-year-olds Coolbythepool, Late Claim and San Hernando but preference is for Collier Hill, who is taken to win this for the second year running. Alan Swinbank's gelding has not been at his best in his last two starts but, judged by his win in Haydock's Old Newton Cup previously, is still well enough treated despite being 16lbs higher than 12 months ago. Mark Johnston's Coolbythepool looks the pick of the classic generation and should ensure a decent gallop but needs to improve. Of more interest could be Rajam, especially as the stable of David Nicholls is back among the winners. The ground has probably gone against Allinjim and a bigger threat to the selection may come from Brian Ellison's Zibeline but we are happy to side with Collier Hill, who has a fine record at the track.