mid-division, ridden halfway, soon beaten, eased over 1f out
held up, effort over 3f out, one pace final 2f
tracked leader, ridden over 3f out, no extra final furlong
held up, headway over 3f out, kept on final furlong, no chance with winner
mid-division, ridden 3f out, driven and weakened final furlong
made all, stayed on strongly under pressure final 2f
prominent, ridden over 3f out, weakened inside final furlong
Ben Chorley, who has won his last three starts, could be of interest on his first start for a year if the rain arrives, but with the likelihood of a dry day ahead a safer option looks to be CAPUCCI, who gets the nod over Tanto Faz. The son of Rock Of Gibralter was good value for his win at Ripon last month but this is tougher off a 4lb higher mark and he may have to settle for minor honours. Eve Johnson Houghton's Mujood has not been out of the first two in each of his last fours starts but a 4lb rise for the latest of them looks harsh, while Gala Casino Star comes form the in-form Richard Fahey stable but needs to improve on recent form to trouble the judge. Alan Swinbank's Ezdeyaad ran better at Ayr over seven furlongs last time and cannot be discounted over the extra furlong today. Alan Bailey's Lowther was well held on his only start in a bumper and belied odds of 100/1 when making a winning debut under flat racing rules when landing a Yarmouth maiden last month but he looks plenty high enough off a mark of 88 on his handicap debut. Preference then is for John Quinn's Capucci, who has shown improved form in his last two starts and a reproduction of that level of form would make him tough to beat.
Mujood 8-1 (9-0) Led, driven and strongly pressed from 2f out, headed 1f out, kept on gamely, held final furlong and kept on well for 2nd, 2nd of 11, 1l behind Ellemujie (9-6) at Sandown 1m hcp 0-90 (3) gf.
Tanto Faz (IRE) 4-1fav (8-9) Mid-division, headway over 2f out, driven to lead near finish, won at Ripon 1m 4yo hcp 0-100 (2) gs in May beating Toto Skyllachy (8-8) by 1/2l, 11 ran.
Orpen Wide (IRE) 20-1 (9-1) Mid-division, effort over 2f out, no impression, 7th of 10, 8l behind Tartan Gigha (9-0) at Beverley 1m hcp 0-85 (4) gf in May.
Gala Casino Star (IRE) 5-2fav (9-4) Held up behind leaders, effort when not much room over 2f out, switched left over 1f out, no extra final furlong, 5th of 7, 8l behind Wind Star (9-2) at Beverley 1m 2f hcp 0-85 (4) gf in May.
Capucci 5-1fav (8-5) Mid-division, ridden and kept on final 2f, never nearer, 3rd of 10, 1l behind Benandonner (9-7) at Ripon 1m hcp 0-95 (3) gf.
Ezdeyaad (USA) 9-2 (8-13) In touch, chased leaders over 3f out, led over 2f out, ridden and headed over 1f out, kept on same pace, 2nd of 7, 4 1/2l behind Esoterica (9-2) at Ayr 7f hcp 0-85 (4) gf.
Reel Buddy Star 7-1 (9-0) Raced keenly in touch, outpaced over 3f out, soon weakened, 9th of 10, 28l behind Wind Star (9-4) at Newcastle 1m 2f hcp 0-80 (4) gf in May.
Ben Chorley 10-11fav (9-5) Led after 1f, ridden over 1f out, kept on well, won at Ripon 1m 1f hcp (3) sft in Jun '08 beating Observatory Star (8-10) by 1 1/4l, 8 ran.
Lowther 100-1 (9-12) In touch, joined leader 2f out, soon ridden, led final 100 yards, won at Yarmouth 1m mdn stks (5) gd in May beating Big Bay (9-0) by hd, 12 ran.
