Verdict

STAXTON ran well enough in the Gimcrack at York without threatening and this is easier. The shorter trip could suit if handling today’s going. Sankari Royale faces a more difficult task than when runner-up in a Listed race at Newbury last month but the consistent Abel Handy went close at York last time and is still improving. Neola won a handicap at Goodwood in soft ground before floundering in a valuable sales race at Doncaster last week while both Rebel Assault and It Dont Come Easy have plenty to find on these terms with the selection.

Formwatch

Abel Handy (IRE) 10-1 (9-0) With leader, ridden to lead narrowly over 1f out, kept on under pressure inside final furlong, headed near finish, 2nd of 12, 1/2l behind Sound And Silence (9-3) at York 5f lst stks (1) gd in Aug.

It Dont Come Easy (IRE) 12-1 (9-1) With winner until over 1f out, ridden and weakened inside final furlong, 6th of 10, 8l behind Havana Grey (9-1) at Goodwood 5f Grp 3 stks (1) sft in Aug.

Pilkington 9-2 (9-8) Held up towards rear in 6th, pushed along over 2f out, kept on same pace, 6th of 10, 11 1/2l behind One Minute (9-3) at York 5f stks (3) gf in Jul.

Staxton 10-1 (9-0) Raced centre, towards rear, driven to chase leaders towards stands side over 2f out, soon ridden, kept on same pace final furlong, no impression, 5th of 10, 4 3/4l behind Sands Of Mali (9-0) at York 6f Grp 2 stks (1) gd in Aug.

Looks A Million 40-1 (8-9) Tracked leaders, driven and outpaced 2f out, weakened inside final furlong, 9th of 12, 4 3/4l behind Sound And Silence (9-3) at York 5f lst stks (1) gd in Aug.

Neola 8-1 (8-4) Held up, ridden 2f out, never on terms, 15th of 22, 11l behind Laugh A Minute (8-12) at Doncaster 7f stks (2) gs in Sep.

Rebel Assault (IRE) 25-1 (9-0) Led and set decent pace, ridden and headed over 1f out, no chance with winner when lost 2nd inside final furlong, weakened and lost 2 places last strides, 5th of 7, 7 1/4l behind Nyaleti (9-0) at Ascot 6f Grp 3 fll stks (1) gs in Jul.

Sankari Royale (IRE) 8-1 (9-0) Towards rear, 6th halfway, no impression 1f out, soon ridden, kept on well to 4th close home, never nearer, 4th of 8, 6 1/4l behind U S Navy Flag (9-3) at Curragh 6f Grp 3 stks (1) Yielding in Aug.