led, ridden, headed just over 2f out, weakened final furlong
prominent, led just over 2f out, soon ridden, edged left approaching final furlong, headed near finish
keen, held up in touch, ridden over 1f out, no impression
held up in touch, ridden over 2f out, effort, every chance inside final furlong, ran on
held up in rear, switched left over 1f out, ridden, ran on to lead near finish
chased leader, joined leader over 2f out, soon ridden, hung right from over 1f out, no extra inside final furlong
Blue Jack is only a nominal selection in a race in which things could change dramatically. Magical Speedfit was due to run here on Friday night and a big run from him would change the picture of the race and a non-appearance would reduce the each-way option to the first two home. The weather could also play a significant role as Blues Minor's record suggests that he operates at his best with cut in the ground and there's also a concern as to whether Hazelrigg will handle quick ground. His half-brother Genki does but Tim Easterby's gelding is by Namid whose progeny usually relish cut in the ground. Hazelrigg was very well backed ahead of his handicap bow but lost his chance in the stalls; big things are clearly expected of him and market confidence behind his chance should be heeded. Danish Art has shaped well in maidens and has to be of interest now handicapping off a fair mark with his yard going well whilst Castles In The Air is better than he showed last time. The selection may lack some of the scope of his rivals but underfoot conditions all see to come alike to him and he looks quietly progressive. He looks well worth another attempt at this trip and recent efforts suggest that he could pull out a bit more for it; so, with one or two doubts surrounding the race at present, Blue Jack looks the percentage call.
Blues Minor (IRE) 6-1 (9-4) Tracked leaders, ridden over 2f out, weakening when hampered over 1f out, eased, last of 10, 28l behind Eastern Hills (8-11) at Sandown 7f 3yo hcp (4) gs.
Castles In The Air 11-2jt-fav (9-4) Mid-division, effort over 2f out, no impression, 10th of 19, 10l behind Harrison George (9-6) at York 6f hcp 0-80 (4) gd.
Blue Jack 12-1 (8-2) Slowly into stride, soon outpaced, switched right and headway approaching final furlong, ridden and kept on same pace, 4th of 9, 4l behind Befortyfour (9-7) at Leicester 5f 3yo hcp (3) gf.
Hazelrigg (IRE) 6-5fav (9-4) Chased leaders stand's side, driven and outpaced 2f out, no impression approaching final furlong, 10th of 17, 8l behind Capone (8-8) at Thirsk 6f 3yo hcp (5) gd in May.
Magical Speedfit (IRE) 14-1 (9-9) Held up in touch, headway approaching final furlong, stayed on well, 4th of 12, 1l behind First Trim (9-2) at Newmarket 5f 3yo hcp (5) gf.
Danish Art (IRE) 8-1 (8-9) Dwelt, held up, headway when hung left over 1f out, ridden, stayed on inside final furlong, 3rd of 16, 2 1/2l behind Choiseau (9-0) at Yarmouth 6f mdn stk (5) gf.
Nawaaff 7-1 (8-11) In touch, ridden 3f out, hung left over 1f out, kept on, 5th of 7, 3/4l behind Valhillen (9-0) at Brighton 6f 3yo hcp (5) gs in May.
Tadalavil 12-1 (8-11) Chased leaders on rail, ridden and outpaced 2f out, ran on one pace final furlong, 3rd of 9, 5l behind Lodi (8-8) at Windsor 6f 3yo hcp (4) gf.
