chased leaders, pushed along over 2f out, weakened final 1f
slowly into stride, held up on rail, headway over 1f out, ran on to go 2nd final 100 yards, never any chance with winner
chased winner to 2f out, weakened quickly over 1f out
close up on rail, went 2nd 2f out, no impression when lost 2nd final 100 yards
made all, 4 lengths clear halfway, ridden out final 1f, unchallenged
in touch on outside, ridden 2f out, weakened over 1f out
slowly away and always behind
RAFTA is well ahead of the handicapper and will be fancied to get the better of Bold Ring and Fyelehk. The selection has formed a good partnership with Josephine Bruning, winning both starts in handicap company. The pair came further clear than connections would have wished for at Nottingham as they've been handed a 14lb rise leaving the filly 8lbs well in under a single penalty although it remains to be seen how she fared at Leicester on Wednesday evening. The heavy rain played havoc with the ground on that occasion so there has to be some doubt cast on the form but it could pay to stick with her. Bold Ring had Fyelehk in behind when winning at Nottingham but a 4lb rise to a career high mark leaves him looking vulnerable on the balance of his form whereas Rod Millman's runner is unexposed on grass and could have more to offer. Halaak is running well enough to give him place claims but he continues to frustrate in the finish so we'll take Rafta to complete her hat-trick.
Quick Single (USA) 100-1 (8-9) Outpaced, always behind, last of 9, 17l behind Nota Bene (8-9) at Newmarket 5f cond Stakes (3) gd.
Halaak (USA) 5-1 (9-7) Held up, switched right to outer and headway over 2f out, went 2nd over 1f out, ridden and ran on to lead inside final furlong, not quicken and headed final 50 yards, 2nd of 7, 1/2l behind Itsher (9-9) at Brighton 5f 3yo hcp (6) fm.
Calypso Girl (IRE) 7-1 (8-11) Slowly away, behind, headway on outside 2f out, soon driven, never reached leaders and weakened final furlong, 5th of 10, 4l behind Another Try (8-13) at Lingfield 6f hcp 0-65 (6) gf in Jun.
Bold Ring 12-1 (8-7) Held up stands' side group, headway over 2f out, ridden and edged left over 1f out, stayed on to lead towards finish, won at Nottingham 6f 3yo hcp 0-65 (6) gf beating First Blade (8-9) by 1 1/4l, 14 ran.
Fyelehk (IRE) 6-1 (9-1) Chased leaders stands' side group, ridden to challenge over 1f out, every chance inside final furlong, no extra towards finish, 3rd of 14, 1 1/2l behind Bold Ring (8-7) at Nottingham 6f 3yo hcp 0-65 (6) gf.
Imperial Skylight 16-1 (8-11) Chased leaders, ridden 2f out, weakened approaching final furlong, 7th of 14, 10l behind Rocket Rob (9-6) at Yarmouth 6f 3yo hcp 0-65 (6) gd in Jun.
Josiah Bartlett (IRE) 12-1 (8-2) Hampered and bumped start, in rear, ridden and came centre halfway, never troubled leaders, 5th of 6, 9l behind Hand Painted (9-7) at Brighton 6f 3yo hcp 0-70 (5) gd in Jun.
Rafta (IRE) 15-2 (8-2) Held up, chased leaders halfway, led approaching 2f out, clear final furlong, won at Nottingham 6f 3yo hcp 0-70 (5) sft beating Vamos (8-9) by 10l, 8 ran.
