chased leader to 3f out, weakened over 1f out, eased final furlong
soon well outpaced in rear
outpaced in rear, ridden 2f out, headway over 1f out, kept on inside final furlong
led, ridden and headed inside final furlong, not quicken
held up in touch, headway 3f out, went 2nd 2f out, hard ridden to lead inside final furlong, driven out
held up, ridden over 2f out, never dangerous
chased leaders, ridden 3f out, soon weakened
chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, kept on inside final furlong
chased leaders, ridden 2f out, weakened final furlong
slowly into stride, held up, ridden and no chance final 2f
Charles Darwin can follow up his recent win at the main expense of Hereford Boy and Edge Of Dreams. A 6lb rise for a very easy win at Doncaster won't be enough to anchor Malcolm Blanshard's sprinter as he has proved competitive from far higher marks in the past. That was his first win since 2006 but it was also the first time that he has been fitted with blinkers and the aids helped him to produce one of his best performances in years. As long as the headgear has the same effect then he should prove hard to beat in this company. Stamford Blue ran well last time but has run many of his best races at Salisbury whilst After The Show's recent efforts suggest that the handicapper may have nailed him but the evergreen Digital can never be left out of calculations at this venue. Hereford Boy will need a career best to win from this mark but he will relish these conditions and is respected whilst Edge Of Dreams could be one to go well at a bigger price. Bryn Palling's filly did really well as a juvenile and may be a little high in the weights as a result but there was enough promise in her run here in a Listed race in April to suggest that she could feature and she should be a working man's price. As far as the winner's concerned though, we'll go back to our original selection - Charles Darwin.
Charles Darwin (IRE) 4-1 (9-2) Made all, clear over 1f out, driven and kept on final furlong, won at Doncaster 6f hcp 0-80 (4) gf in May beating Rainbow Fox (8-5) by 1 1/2l, 8 ran.
Hereford Boy 4-1jt-fav (8-9) Outpaced towards rear, soon chased along, some late headway, never reached challenging position, 4th of 8, 4l behind Luscivious (8-13) at Southwell 5f hcp 0-90 (3) fbs in May.
Digital 13-2 (8-13) Prominent, ridden along when outpaced halfway, driven over 1f out, ran on final furlong, 3rd of 11, 1/2l behind Namir (8-1) at Beverley 5f hcap (4) gd in May.
Stamford Blue 14-1 (8-9) Soon led, ridden 3f out, hard ridden final furlong, headed close home, 2nd of 11, nk behind Seamus Shindig (8-8) at Salisbury 6f hcap (4) gf in May.
Barons Spy (IRE) 20-1 (8-9) In touch, pushed along halfway, weakened approaching final furlong, 10th of 14, 6l behind Purus (9-4) at Newmarket 7f hcp 0-85 (4) gd in Nov.
After The Show 15-8jt-fav (8-13) Held up towards rear, headway halfway, soon ridden and one pace, 4th of 6, 3 1/2l behind What Do You Know (9-2) at Newmarket 5f hcp 0-80 (4) gs in May.
Edge of Gold 20-1 (8-13) Keen hold, chased leaders, ridden 2f out, weakened final furlong, 6th of 18, 7l behind Clifton Dancer (8-6) at Newbury 7f 3yo fll hcp 0-100 (4) gd in May.
Cheveton 33-1 (9-3) Prominent, went 2nd 6f out, ridden 2f out, not clear run, switched right entering final furlong, stayed on same pace, 4th of 12, 7l behind Dream Express (8-13) at W'hampton 7f mdn 0-70 (5) pol in May.
Millfields Dreams 13-2 (9-4) In touch, ridden over 2f out, soon beaten, 4th of 10, 6l behind Equuleus Pictor (8-11) at Yarmouth 5f hcap (5) gd in May.
Damhsoir (IRE) 12-1 (8-8) Close up when hampered after 1f, lost place and towards rear, kept on final furlong but never dangerous, 6th of 10, 6l behind Spirit of Coniston (8-9) at Kempton 5f hcp (6) pol in Oct.
