tracked far side leader, ridden to lead this pair over 1f out, led overall inside final furlong, ran on
overall leader in centre, pushed along over 1f out, headed inside final furlong, stayed on
in touch in centre, pushed along 3f out, weakened over 1f out
led far side pair until ridden over 1f out, stayed on one pace
dwelt, raced centre, in touch in rear, ridden over 1f out, not trouble leaders
stumbled start, tracked leaders in centre, stumbled 3f out, pushed along over 2f out, ridden and weakened over 1f out
tracked leader in centre, ridden 2f out, kept on one pace inside final furlong
The Michael Dods operation is ticking along nicely and enjoyed a Derby Day winner at Epsom. Little fish are sweet too though and ROARING RALPH can defy his 6lb penalty and supplement Redcar gains when going well clear in the closing stages to score easily. He faces the same conditions - 7f on good to firm ground - and can handle to move from Class 6 to Class 5 grade. Bird Of Play stayed on well to land a better race at Haydock and is the main danger off just a 2lb higher mark. He too will be well served by the forecast conditions. The Clive Cox horses are running much better now and Starlight Nation should post a decent account but the dark one is definitely Kangaroo, who has shown ability on all three starts in maiden/novice company and looks feasibly treated on handicap debut.
Starlight Nation (IRE) 7-1 (9-10) In rear, headway travelling well over 2f out, ran on strongly final furlong, nearest finish, 4th of 11, 3/4l behind Bird Of Play (9-7) at Haydock 7f hcp (5) gf in May.
Bird Of Play (IRE) 11-1 (9-7) Midfield, pushed along over 2f out, ran on strongly final furlong, led inside final furlong, cosily, won at Haydock 7f hcp (5) gf in May beating Al Motasim (9-8) by 3/4l, 11 ran.
Kangaroo (IRE) 40-1 (9-4) Handy, pushed along and headway on rails 2f out, every chance 1f out, ridden and no extra final 110 yards, 5th of 13, 1 1/2l behind Ajjaj (9-4) at Kempton 7f mdn stks (5) pol in May.
Ignac Lamar (IRE) 14-1 (9-6) Slowly into stride, in rear, ridden 2f out, stayed on inside final furlong, 7th of 10, 4 1/4l behind Absolutelyflawless (9-9) at Wolverhampton 6f hcp (5) pol in May.
Ferensby 18-1 (8-13) Close up in touch, driven 3f out, every chance 2f out, weakened entering final furlong, 7th of 11, 4 1/2l behind Radio Goo Goo (9-7) at Haydock 6f hcp (4) gf in May.
Roaring Ralph 9-2 (9-5) Went left start, held up in last trio, good headway chasing leaders 2f out, angled out inside final 2f, led and hung left entering final furlong, soon quickened clear, won at Redcar 7f hcp (6) gf in May beating Platinum Girl (9-9) by 4 3/4l, 8 ran.
Apex (IRE) 33-1 (9-7) Mid-division, ridden and outpaced over 2f out, minor late headway, 8th of 17, 13 1/4l behind Greysful Storm (9-11) at Newbury 1m 2f hcp (5) gd in May.
