in touch, headway over 3f out, effort and chance over 1f out, one pace final furlong
track leaders, ridden and effort over 2f out, no extra approaching final furlong
mid-division, pushed along and lost place over 4f out, ridden over 2f out, stayed on final furlong nearest finish
track leader, driven to challenge over 2f out, every chance when hampered approaching final furlong, one pace after
in touch, ridden and headway over 2f out, every chance over 1f out, one pace inside final furlong
held up towards rear, headway over 3f out, soon ridden, weakened final furlong
held up towards rear, headway halfway and in touch, pushed along over 3f out, soon ridden and weakened
made all, hard pressed from over 2f out, edged left approaching final furlong, stayed on well towards finish
A very good race for the Showcase Handicap. Many of the runners will justifiably have their supporters but we'll raise our glass in the direction of Barman. He was just beaten by Kuster at Haydock last time and left the impression that a clear run would have seen him home. He can be a bit hit and miss formwise but, if on song, might be able to make amends here from just a one-pound higher mark in the ratings. Turning to the others. Mana d'Argent's five career wins have all come at Ascot. However, that stat has to end some day and he looks set to run a big race here. Freedom Now has so far promised more than he has delivered but, still fairly lightly raced, he's the type that could have some more to come. Sarin is nine pounds higher than for his Yarmouth win in June, and has been beaten three times from revised marks. However, he too has a right to be competitive here. His trainer also houses Kuster so a market move in this one's direction over the selection would be interesting. Dunaskin is three pounds higher than for his most-recent win, which on balance makes him worth opposing. Jeepstar has really hit form, following up a Ripon win with a very good second in a competitive York handicap. He is only one pound higher now than for that run on the Knavesmire so commands plenty of respect. Jordans Elect is also fairly lightly raced but came good in a Carlisle maiden last time. He takes a step up in trip now and it will be interesting to see how he copes with it. Regent's Secret is another stepping up a good bit in distance. He's still a maiden but the best of his form is pretty solid. Another lightly-campaigned runner is Charlie Egerton's Valance, who came good on the all-weather last time when stepped up to today's trip. Overall he still has something to prove but, with scope for improvement, might well prove better than he has so far shown. Lucayan Dancer's sole career win came in a Brighton juvenile maiden. It's a competitive race, as you would expect for the money, but Barman might be able to make amends for that unlucky Haydock defeat.
