in touch, ridden over 3f out, effort over 1f out, soon one paced
led, headed over 4f out, weakened over 1f out
in touch, ridden 3f out, chased winner over 1f out, no impression final furlong
held up, ridden 4f out, weakened 2f out
pulled hard, in rear, headway over 8f out to go second, led over 4f out, ridden and headed over 2f out, weakened final furlong
in touch, headway to lead over 2f out, ridden out
Quite a few have chances in this tricky staying handicap, and we just sway in favour of Bollin Thomas, although both It's Definite and well Chosen should be hot on his heels. It's Definite is an unexposed stayer who was a fine third in a two and a half mile handicap at Royal Ascot last time. Alan Jarvis' gelding relishes fast ground and appears open to plenty more improvement. He should have strong claims if handling this drop back in trip to 14 furlongs. Well Chosen's best form had come with give in the ground, but he handled a fast surface well enough when a close third at Kempton last time. Earlier Ed Dunlop's colt was around seven lengths behind It's Definite when probably not staying two miles and a furlong at Pontefract. He meets that rival on seven pounds better terms now and this drop back in trip looks sure to suit. Celtic Style has been running well in staying handicaps and any runner from the in-form Mark Johnston yard always has to be feared, but we'll stick with Bollin Thomas. Tim Easterby's gelding was driven out to land a handicap at Doncaster in late June. He subsequently disappointed over two miles here at Newmarket, but has strong claims if returning to his best form, and the drop back to this trip could just do the trick.
