chased leaders, effort when not clear run well over 1f out, soon ridden, stayed on final furlong
with leader, led over 2f out, ridden, headed over 1f out, weakening when not much room inside final furlong
chased leaders, ridden, effort over 1f out, staying on same pace when hampered inside final furlong
chased leaders, ridden, headway to lead over 1f out, ran on well final furlong
led, headed over 2f out, soon ridden, weakened final furlong
behind, pushed along halfway, headway over 1f out, ridden, edged left inside final furlong, stayed on towards finish
dwelt, behind, not much room, switched right after 2f, ridden, headway on outside over 1f out, ran on final furlong, not reach winner
Handsome Cross turns out quickly after his weekend exertions, and is selected to give sprint king Dandy Nichols victory in the feature race, with Divine Spirit and old Bishops Court taken to give him most to do. It has taken time for Nicholls to get the best out of Handsome Cross who finally gained his first win for the stable when overcoming a poor draw at Chester last month. He deserved that after going close on more than one occasion, and the gelding then tried to make all under a six-pound penalty at York on Friday, but faded close home to be fifth. The faster ground to day will help his cause, and still in fine heart, he is taken to see off his six rivals from the front. Divine Spirit has been touched off on his last two outings, but this fast five will be on the short side for him, while Bishops Court is not the force of old but is fairly handicapped on past achievements. Playful Dane was in great form last year, and was behind the selection's stablemate Wanchai Lad at Thirsk on his only run this term two months ago. He should go well off bottom weight, but Handsome Cross is taken to quickly put that weekend defeat to rest.
Bishops Court 10-1 (9-9) Steadied at start and held up, headway over 1f out, ridden and one pace final furlong, 5th of 8, 2l behind Out After Dark (9-6) at Beverley 5f hcp (3) gf in Jun.
Handsome Cross (IRE) 6-1 (9-7) Led, ridden and headed over 1f out, no extra inside final furlong, 5th of 10, 4l behind Mecca's Mate (9-4) at York 5f hcp (3) gs.
Malapropism 16-1 (9-5) Chased leaders to halfway, weakened quickly well over 1f out, 14th of 16, 10l behind The Jobber (8-8) at Sandown 5f hcp (3) gd.
Whinhill House 14-1 (8-4) Led stands' side, headed over 1f out, weakened, 14th of 16, 5l behind Out After Dark (8-6) at Newcastle 5f hcp (2) gd in Jun.
Raccoon (IRE) 20-1 (9-2) Towards rear, never dangerous, last of 13, 14l behind Trinculo (8-13) at Beverley 5f hcp (3) gd.
Divine Spirit 17-2 (9-4) Held up, ridden and headway over 1f out, every chance inside final furlong, ran on, 2nd of 17, nk behind Borderlescott (8-0) at Haydock 6f hcp (4) gf in Jun.
Playful Dane (IRE) 8-1 (8-11) Led stand side group, ridden and headed well over 1f out, weakened final furlong, 12th of 19, 8l behind Wanchai Lad (8-11) at Thirsk 5f hcp (4) gf in May.
