tracked leader, challenged over 2f out to over 1f out, ridden and weakened final furlong
raced keenly, held up in touch, effort when not clear run 2f out to over 1f out, driven and kept on final furlong, no impression
tracked leaders, led over 2f out, ridden and headed over 1f out, no extra final furlong
mid-division, driven and outpaced 3f out, never on terms
in touch, ridden and effort over 1f out, kept on final furlong
mid-division, headway 2f out, led over 1f out, ridden and kept on final furlong
held up, headway over 1f out, ridden and stayed on to chase winner inside final furlong
held up in rear, ridden over 1f out, stayed on final furlong, never nearer
dwelt, soon led, ridden and headed over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
held up, ridden and headway over 1f out, stayed on under pressure final furlong, no extra
This event is a trial for the Carlisle Bell and Hula Ballew is selected to land the prize despite his advancing years with Musca and Motafarred, who bids for a quick follow-up, are others to consider. Michael Dods charge has had two outings this season, those on unfavourably easier surfaces. Returning here on good to firm ground, he gets the vote to land his first victory for almost 12 months. Musca appears as if he has been targeted specifically at this event and his recent Thirsk outing should leave him spot on for this. Motafarred landed a gamble for connections on Friday evening at Pontefract but the worry would be the drop back to 7f which might inconvenience him. Grand Opera was another subject to strong market support at Catterick last time but the yards flat performers are running indifferently. Hula Ballew is nominated to land this.
Dakota Rain (IRE) 8-1 (9-4) Chased leaders stands side, ridden and weakened over 1f out, 16th of 17, 14l behind Royal Envoy (8-7) at Thirsk 5f hcp 0-80 (4) gd.
Musca (IRE) 8-1 (8-11) Raced keenly, held up mid-division, ridden and headway 2f out, stayed on well to go 3rd inside final furlong, no impression, 3rd of 13, 4l behind Yes One (8-9) at Thirsk 7f hcp 0-85 (4) gd.
Motafarred (IRE) 6-1 (9-3) In touch, led halfway, clear approaching final furlong, ridden out, won at Pontefract 1m hcap (5) gf beating Aussie Blue (8-6) by 4l, 12 ran.
Grand Opera (IRE) 2-1fav (8-11) Chased leaders, not much room on inner 2f out and again approaching final furlong, kept on same pace, 6th of 13, 4l behind Tencendur (9-1) at Catterick 7f hcp 0-75 (5) gs in Apr.
Hula Ballew 5-1 (9-4) Chased leaders, headway and raced stand side 2f out, chased winner inside final furlong, kept on, 2nd of 13, 2l behind Dispol Isle (9-2) at Pontefract 1m hcp 0-70 (5) gs in Apr.
Stoic Leader (IRE) 9-1 (8-6) With leader, ridden 2f out, led over 1f out, kept on until headed, no extra near finish, 3rd of 11, 1 1/2l behind Turn Me On (7-13) at Catterick 7f hcap (5) gf.
Champain Sands (IRE) 16-1 (8-7) Started slowly, always rear division, 9th of 12, 14l behind Daaweitza (9-0) at Catterick 7f hcap (4) gd.
Regent's Secret (USA) 8-1 (9-4) Slowly into stride and behind, ridden over 2f out, some headway until one pace over 1f out, 6th of 9, 6l behind Royal Amnesty (8-8) at Hamilton 1m 1f hcp 0-70 (5) gf.
Kabis Amigos 8-1 (8-11) Led, ridden over 2f out, headed over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong, 3rd of 8, 9l behind Sun Catcher (8-8) at Southwell 1m hcap (5) fbs.
Sunnyside Tom (IRE) 10-1 (9-2) Tracked leaders, keen, led 3f out, headed over 2f out, every chance approaching final furlong, soon weakened, 10th of 15, 9l behind Pitbull (8-10) at Pontefract 1m 2f hcp 0-70 (5) gd in Oct.
