EXCELLENT THOUGHT is not one to trust implicitly but her in-form jockey can coax her home in-front. Although yet to win in nine starts, Paul Howling's filly has run well off a mark of 71 before so her current standing of 67 looks enticing. Mr Fallon takes the ride for the first time and, proven on good to soft ground, she should have conditions in her favour this evening. Plenty of rain would suit the heavy-ground winner Caramelita, and along with the well-handicapped Athwaab probably rates as the main danger. Bonheurs Art has to put two recent flops behind her, Galatian is up 7lb for beating just a modest field at Leicester on quicker ground, whilst blinkers are reapplied on Millden who needs to improve.
Galatian 9-2 (9-4) Made all, ridden and hung right over 1f out, ran on, won at Leicester 6f 3yo hcp 0-70 (5) gf beating Dream Number (9-1) by 1 3/4l, 10 ran.
Bonheurs Art (IRE) 13-2 (9-4) Chased leaders, driven and outpaced over 2f out, soon ridden, weakened final furlong, 7th of 9, 17l behind Mark Anthony (8-13) at Pontefract 6f 3yo hcp 0-75 (5) gd.
Athwaab 9-2 (9-1) Disputed lead, ridden and headed over 1f out, weakened final furlong, last of 6, 14l behind Tom Folan (8-5) at Newmarket 5f 3yo hcp 0-75 (5) gf in May.
Millden 4-1 (9-3) Led, ridden and headed welll over 1f out, kept on, no chance with winner, 2nd of 8, 8l behind Dubai Media (8-12) at Lingfield 6f mdn stks (5) gf.
Valmina 8-1 (9-3) Held up towards rear, ridden and hung left over 1f out, soon faded, 7th of 11, 6l behind Kiss A Prince (9-12) at Lingfield 7f hcp 0-70 (5) pol.
Excellent Thought 10-1 (9-7) Went right start, pulled hard and soon prominent, led after 1f, hung right when headed over 1f out, stayed on well close home, 5th of 6, 3/4l behind Pirate's Song (9-8) at Newmarket 6f 3yo hcp 0-70 (5) gf in Jul.
Caramelita 10-1 (9-5) Led, pushed along over 2f out, soon joined, headed over 1f out, no chance with leading duo final furlong, kept on for 3rd, 3rd of 12, 5l behind Feeling Fresh (9-10) at Haydock 6f hcp 0-70 (5) gs.
Gooseberry Bush 14-1 (9-8) Steadied start, took keen hold in rear, headway 2f out, stayed on inside final furlong, 4th of 9, 3 1/2l behind Russian Rave (9-11) at Salisbury 6f fll hcp (5) gf.
Avongate 25-1 (9-3) Chased leaders, outpaced halfway, stayed on final furlong, 6th of 9, 7l behind Lutine Bell (9-7) at Bath 5f 3yo hcp 0-70 (5) fm in Jul.
Avow (USA) 33-1 (8-2) Behind, ridden halfway, soon under pressure and beaten, last of 7, 8l behind Hairspray (9-4) at Kempton 6f hcp 0-85 (4) pol.
Silvee 6-1 (8-2) Led early, chased leader, ridden to challenge over 1f out, still chance when pushed right final 100 yards, went 2nd last strides, 2nd of 6, 1/2l behind Liberty Lady (9-9) at Folkestone 6f hcp 0-75 (5) sft.
