tracked leaders, ridden over 3f out, stayed on final furlong
in rear, ridden over 2f out, chased winner approaching final furlong, no impression
tracked winner, ridden over 2f out, no impression over 1f out
tracked leaders, stumbled after 3f, ridden well over 2f out, no impression over 1f out
made all, ridden over 2f out, soon clear
Only five runners go to post for this apprentice handicap to open the card and from a shortlist of Kyber, Summer Soul and Forrest Flyer we will side with Kyber as the pick. The selection won this race last year and he arrives here in good form having won an apprentice handicap at Musselburgh last time. He is unpenalised for that success and with the very capable Gary Bartley doing the steering he can win again. Summer Soul returns to the level after a spell over hurdles and he can go well with both trip and ground to suit. Forrest Flyer wasn't beaten far at Newcastle last time when he travelled like the winner before fading close home. He is respected here but he has yet to win a race despite having plenty of chances and he is passed over for that reason. Calzaghe doesn't look good enough to deliver a knockout blow tonight in his current form, and for the winner we will return to Kyber who holds rock solid claims.
Summer Soul (IRE) 11-2 (10-7) Tracked leader in 2nd, ridden over 3f out, challenged 1 1/2f out, soon led, clear inside final furlong, kept on well, won at Bellewstown 1m 6f nhf gd in Aug beating Davenport Democrat (10-5) by 3l, 13 ran.
Calzaghe (IRE) 66-1 (9-4) Behind from over 3f out, 14th of 15, 31l behind Step This Way (8-10) at York 1m 4f ldy rds hcp (3) gd.
Jordan's Light (USA) 20-1 (8-10) Held up behind leaders, driven 2f out, weakened inside final furlong, 7th of 10, 5l behind Trouble Mountain (8-13) at Newcastle 1m 2f hcp 0-70 (5) gs.
Kyber 9-2 (9-2) Led, ridden and headed 2f out, rallied to regain lead entering final furlong, stayed on, won at Musselburgh 2m app hcp (5) gf beating Living On A Prayer (8-9) by 1l, 5 ran.
Forrest Flyer (IRE) 5-1 (8-7) Prominent, smooth headway to lead briefly over 2f out, not much room approaching final furlong, no extra, 3rd of 12, 2 1/2l behind Sendali (8-6) at Newcastle 2m hcp 0-65 (6) gs.