chased leaders, beaten 2f out, weakened final furlong
held up, ridden and some headway over 1f out, kept on same pace
jumped awkwardly, squeezed start, always towards rear
held up, headway to lead over 1f out, ran on well
always towards rear
chased leaders, ridden halfway, weakened well over 1f out
chased leaders, ridden over 1f out, kept on same pace
disputed lead, edged right and headed over 1f out, no extra inside final furlong
slowly into stride, towards rear, ridden 2f out, kept on final furlong, not reach leaders
held up in rear, ridden over 1f out, stayed on inside final furlong, nearest finish
Even though he is 13lbs higher than at the start of the season, Mr Malarkey keeps on improving, as his third in a hugely-valuable sprint at York last time testified, and he can land a tricky event. Of the others, Telepathic has the physical scope to keep on improving, has form off this mark and his stable is now in form. Ivania is also lightly raced but indications are that the handicapper may have her mark about right. Go Polar, also lightly campaigned, is hard to fully assess, but he has run well in some good handicaps this season. The drop to five after his Nottingham second last time could also suit. Litewska has been raised a possibly prohibitive five pounds for winning at Sandown, while Midnight Special is still two pounds higher than for his last win. Bishop's Lake will probably need this, Semenovskii comes here in good heart but might just find one or two too good for him, while Chico Guapo is sure to blaze a trail but is 9lbs higher than for his Catterick win in April. Tender, Tripti and Park Star - who comes here on a three-timer - all have to improve again on their best form and, while they are quite possibly capable of doing so, we will stick with the consistent Mr Malarkey.
