tracked leaders, led on bit 3 out, clear before last
tracked leader and keen, led 5 out, headed before 3 out, soon weakened
led to 5 out, led again before 3 out, headed 3 out, kept on and no chance with winner
in rear and in touch, went 3rd before 2 out, one pace and no impression
TOP NOTCH has made a big impression since arriving in this country and is Festival-bound. He beat a Grade 2 winner at Ascot last month and should have few problems extending his unbeaten record. The maiden Scrafton could be the one to chase him home if on his best behaviour. He should have beaten Medicine Hat at Kelso last time and Joe Colliver can't use his claim on the latter in this contest. Istimraar is thoroughly exposed and is better over further.
Top Notch (FR) 3-10fav (11-8) Tracked leading pair, went 2nd 3 out, challenged next, led approaching last, shaken up after last, stayed on well to draw clear final 150 yards, won at Ascot 2m 4yo hdl (3) sft in Jan beating Golden Doyen (11-8) by 2 1/4l, 4 ran.
Istimraar (IRE) 9-1 (10-9) Mid-division, tracked leaders 6th, effort 3 out, ridden and stayed on to chase leading pair before last, no impression, 3rd of 14, 6l behind Seaviper (10-11) at Doncaster 2m 3f hcp hdl 0-120 (4) gs in Jan.
Medicine Hat 14-1 (10-7) Pressed leader, led 4 out, clear next to before 2 out, ridden and hard pressed between last 2, headed when mistake last, held flat, kept on when gifted race towards finish, won at Kelso 2m 2f 4yo hdl (4) hvy in Jan beating Scrafton (10-12) by 5l, 7 ran.
Scrafton 5-4fav (10-12) Mid-division, tracked leading pair 5th, went 2nd after 3 out, close up next, poised to challenge on bit between last 2, led last, soon ridden, in command when carried head high and idled badly flat, headed and threw race away towards finish, 2nd of 7, 5l behind Medicine Hat (10-7) at Kelso 2m 2f 4yo hdl (4) hvy in Jan.
