Verdict

Both Afandem and Lady Celia were narrowly beaten over the minimum trip on their respective latest starts though both have won over this far before. But COTTAM LANE faces an easier task than when fourth at York recently and Kevin Ryan’s charge has more scope than most of these. Call Me Ginger never threatened the winner when runner-up over track and trip while Gunmetal is back on the same mark as when scoring at Doncaster in March.

Formwatch

Gunmetal (IRE) 11-1 (8-12) In touch, ridden over 2f out, never nearer, 5th of 9, 3 3/4l behind Commanche Falls (9-7) at Ripon 6f hcp (3) gf in Jun.

Call Me Ginger 9-4 (9-7) Held up in rear, pushed along 3f out, headway 2f out, kept on inside final furlong, no match for winner, 2nd of 5, 4l behind George Bowen (9-5) at Hamilton 6f hcp (4) gf in Jun.

Dark Defender 8-1 (9-6) Tracked leaders, ridden and edged left over 1f out, weakened final furlong, last of 8, 4 1/2l behind Kapono (9-5) at Haydock 6f hcp (5) sft in May.

Afandem (IRE) 9-2 (9-7) Tracked leader, led over 1f out, ridden inside final furlong, headed close home, 2nd of 6, nk behind Sharrabang (8-2) at Carlisle 5f hcp (5) gs in May.

Cottam Lane 12-1 (8-13) In touch in centre of track, headway when ridden over 2f out, chased leading pair over 1f out, kept on final furlong, 4th of 19, 2 1/4l behind Mr Wagyu (9-7) at York 6f hcp (4) gf in Jun.

Royal Advice (IRE) 5-1 (8-13) Unruly to load, tracked leaders, pushed along over 2f out, ridden over 1f out, kept on same pace, last of 4, 4 1/2l behind Bravado (10-0) at Ayr 7f hcp (3) gf in Jun.

Lady Celia 5-2 (8-13) Chased clear leading pair, ridden over 1f out, ran on, not reach winner, 2nd of 6, nk behind Ventura Flame (9-6) at Hamilton 5f hcp (5) gf in Jun.