slow into stride, in touch, ridden over 3f out, weakened over 2f out
started slowly, always behind
chased winner to well over 2f out, soon weakened
keen, tracked leaders, ridden 3f out, one pace final furlong
towards rear, effort over 3f out, hung left and weakened 2f out
started slowly and reared start, always behind
slowly into stride, mid-division, ridden and lost place over 5f out, soon behind
reared start, held up and pulled hard, headway 4f out, ridden and hung right 2f out, kept on final furlong
keen, mid-division, headway over 3f out, ridden to go 2nd well over 2f out, stayed on, no chance with winner
in touch, not clear run and switched right over 3f out, ridden and edged left final 2f, stayed on inside final furlong
made all, quickened clear over 1f out, comfortably
Mark Johnston's runners usually get better with experience so, with that in mind, a chance is taken with You Too, who may prove to be too progressive for Discomania and Golden Odyssey. The last named is unexposed on the Flat and can represent good value for at least a place in this company. She will stay the trip well and represents connections that have to be respected with their rare runners in this area of racing. Discomania ran well over course and distance last week and would be a potent force in this company with a repeat performance. He obviously improved for the step up in trip and can pose the selection the most problems if the race does not come around too quickly. Another to consider is Jayer Gilles, who sets the standard on the official BHB figures for the race. Still, he is yet to convince at the trip and has a little to prove. The market should tell us whether his connections think he can silence his doubters this afternoon. A more solid option may therefore come in the shape of You Too, who represents a yard that have an impeccable knack of placing horses stepping up in trip to good effect. This well-bred filly was badly in need of the experience on her debut and that run is best forgotten. However, she posted a much improved display at Hamilton 18 days ago and gave the impression that she already needs this sort of trip to be seen to her best effect. Her Middleham-based trainer has followed a trusted formula with many similar types over the years, so it will come as no surprise to see You Too rise to the challenge today.
Jayer Gilles 50-1 (8-10) Led 4f, stayed prominent, under pressure over 3f out, weakened, 10th of 12, 20l behind Balkan Knight (9-12) at Salisbury 1m 6f hcp (4) gs.
Kiev (IRE) 66-1 (8-12) Held up in rear, headway 3f out, chased leader 2f out, soon one pace, 2nd of 16, 7l behind Wyoming (8-9) at Leicester 1m 4f mdn clm (7) sft.
Golden Odyssey (IRE) 16-1 (9-3) Towards rear, ridden and outpaced 4f out, stayed on final 2f, no impression, 4th of 12, 21l behind Mokaraba (8-0) at Thirsk 1m 4f mdn stk (5) gs in Apr.
Heart Springs 50-1 (10-11) Slowly into stride, in rear, some headway 4f out, not reach leaders, 9th of 15, 19l behind San Hernando (11-9) at Goodwood 2m hcp (E3) gs in Oct.
Discomania 28-1 (9-1) Held up, not clear run over 4f out, headway on outside over 3f out, every chance over 2f out, stayed on, 3rd of 9, 3l behind Baddam (9-1) at Nottingham 1m 6f 3yo hcp (5) gd.
Taxman (IRE) 66-1 (9-0) Ridden halfway, always behind, 9th of 11, 8l behind Tragedian (9-0) at Lingfield 1m 2f 3yo mdn (5) pol in Apr.
You Too 16-1 (8-0) Led, pushed along over 3f out, soon ridden, headed 2f out, no extra inside final furlong, 3rd of 6, 3l behind Brads House (8-0) at Hamilton 1m 3f 3yo & 4yo mdn (5) gs in Apr.
Floragalore 16-1 (9-9) Slowly away, in rear, ridden over 3f out, never dangerous, 5th of 7, 15l behind Pax Romana (8-4) at Folkestone 1m 4f mdn fll (5) sft in Apr.
