close up, ridden when short of room and not clear run over 1f out, kept on same pace
set steady pace, edged left over 2f out, ridden and headed narrowly over 1f out, still every chance inside final furlong, rallied to go 2nd near finish
keen tracked leader, ridden to lead narrowly over 1f out, headed inside final furlong, no extra
rider removed hood late and very slowly away, recovered to rear over 6f out, ridden 2f out, kept on, not trouble leaders
tracked leaders, pushed along 3f out, ridden over 1f out, kept on same pace
held up, ridden and no impression over 2f out, stayed on towards finish, not trouble leaders
held up, headway entering final 2f, effort between horses to lead inside final furlong, ran on
keen tracked leaders, ridden 2f out, effort and every chance inside final furlong, stayed on
in rear, weakened 2f out
Nonrunner
Two 20/1 chances and a 16/1 have won this in the past five years. Sir Michael Stoute scored a year ago and Theodore Gericault is certain to attract support, as he did over this track and trip last time after completing a double at Lingfield and Pontefract. He was definitely disappointing that day and the concession of 2lb to STABLEFORD may prove beyond him. Brian Meehan's superbly-bred colt made a very pleasing debut when totally unfancied at Doncaster than easily landed a York maiden in the style of a smart performer. Noble Gift landed a Salisbury maiden on heavy going in October and there was plenty of give in the ground when he landed a Nottingham handicap a month ago. He's up 4lb and could probably do with more rain. Limerick winner Private Alexander has joined David O'Meara from Ireland and wouldn't be running here unless thought capable of a big effort.
Theodore Gericault (IRE) 4-5fav (9-4) Held up towards rear, smooth headway over 2f out, ridden 1f out, no extra, 3rd of 7, 4l behind Mutashaded (8-12) at Sandown 1m 2f 3yo hcp 0-90 (3) gf in May.
Salutation (IRE) 10-1 (8-13) Soon chased leader, ridden and lost 2nd inside final 2f, ridden and weakened over 1f out, 7th of 11, 8l behind Pasaka Boy (8-12) at Epsom Downs 1m 2f 3yo hcp 0-105 (2) gd.
Stableford 5-4fav (9-2) Made all, quickend clear final furlong, comfortable, won at Yarmouth 1m mdn stks (5) gf in May beating Clear Pearl (8-11) by 3l, 14 ran.
Mundahesh (IRE) 11-1 (8-10) Steadied and always in rear, never a factor, virtually pulled up final furlong, tailed off, last of 11, well behind Pasaka Boy (8-12) at Epsom Downs 1m 2f 3yo hcp 0-105 (2) gd.
Master Ming (IRE) 10-1 (9-6) Tracked winner, ridden to challenge 3f out, weakened over 1f out, 5th of 7, 16l behind Ralston Road (9-7) at Chester 1m 3f 3yo hcp 0-85 (4) gd in May.
Noble Gift 5-1 (9-7) Took keen hold, held up behind, smooth headway when switched outside over 2f out, led narrowly entering final furlong, kept on, won at Nottingham 1m 3yo hcp 0-75 (5) gs in May beating Cash Is King (9-0) by 1 1/2l, 8 ran.
Ningara 6-1 (8-10) Held up last, staying on inside final furlong on heels of leaders but looked held when squeezed out close home, never able to challenge, 5th of 6, 2l behind King George River (9-1) at Lingfield 1m hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Feb.
Rouge Nuage (IRE) 25-1 (8-2) Mid-division, headway over 1f out, kept on inside final furlong, 4th of 7, 6l behind Mutashaded (8-12) at Sandown 1m 2f 3yo hcp 0-90 (3) gf in May.
Nile Knight 14-1 (9-0) Held up in last, ridden over 4f out, weakened over 2f out, last of 6, 14l behind Bold Sniper (9-5) at Leicester 1m 2f 3yo hcp 0-85 (4) gd.
Private Alexander (IRE) 25-1 (9-0) Settled in rear, ridden early straight and no extra in 7th 1 1/2f out, kept on one pace, 6th of 8, 16l behind Leading Light (9-3) at Curragh 1m 2f 3yo Grp 3 (1) gf in May.
