Verdict

VAN GERWEN is penalised for making all over 5f at Pontefract last week but he’s won over today’s longer trip before and should make another bold bid. Dark Command hasn’t won anywhere yet but went close to doing so over 7f at Musselburgh last time while Star Cracker scored in soft ground over the minimum trip here in July, though has failed to threaten subsequently. Born Innocent remains 10lb higher than her earlier win at Hamilton and Rock Canyon was engaged to run at the latter track yesterday.

Formwatch

Van Gerwen 11-4fav (9-4) Made all, clear over 1f out, readily, won at Pontefract 5f hcp (5) gs in Sep beating Burning Thread (9-4) by 2 1/2l, 7 ran.

Born Innocent (IRE) 12-1 (9-6) Tracked leaders, ridden to lead approaching final furlong, headed inside final furlong, lost 2nd near finish, 3rd of 8, 3 3/4l behind Royal Connoisseur (9-10) at Hamilton 6f hcp (5) hvy in Sep.

Star Cracker (IRE) 8-1 (9-5) Held up mid-division, ridden over 1f out, soon weakened, 15th of 19, 12 1/4l behind Euxton (8-7) at Ayr 5f hcp (5) sft in Sep.

Be Bold 25-1 (9-1) Always behind, outpaced over 2f out, 8th of 10, 14 1/4l behind Whozthecat (8-10) at Thirsk 7f hcp (4) sft in Aug.

Dark Command 11-4fav (9-6) Towards rear, headway over 3f out, every chance and going well over 1f out, ridden inside final furlong, kept on and held towards finish, 2nd of 10, 3/4l behind Riponian (8-10) at Musselburgh 7f hcp (6) gd in Sep.

Bunce (IRE) 13-2 (9-13) Behind, ridden over 1f out, kept on inside final furlong, 5th of 8, 6 1/4l behind Longroom (8-13) at Musselburgh 5f hcp (6) gd in Sep.

Rock Canyon (IRE) 25-1 (8-9) Towards rear, ridden and headway over 1f out, kept on inside final furlong, 4th of 9, 1 1/4l behind One Boy (9-1) at Musselburgh 5f hcp (5) gd in Sep.

Be Bop Tango (FR) 16-1 (8-13) Steadied start, held up in last pair, steady headway 3f out, ridden hung left and one pace over 1f out, kept on same pace inside final furlong, 6th of 8, 4 1/4l behind Coronation Day (9-4) at Thirsk 7f hcp (5) gd in Aug.