behind, ridden over 1f out, nevr dangerous
in touch, ridden over 1f out, stayed on to lead towards finish
reared start, behind, weakened over 1f out
pushed along behind, never a factor
tracked leader, ridden well over 1f out, no extra inside final furlong
led, ridden over 1f out, kept on and headed towards finish
towards rear, ridden over 1f out, kept on inside final furlong
in touch, ridden over 1f out, faded entering final furlong
mid-division, headway 1f out, kept on
mid-division, ridden inside final furlong, no impression
towards rear, never dangerous
pushed along towards rear, never a factor
chased leaders, ridden and weakened over 1f out
behind, never dangerous
A big field and likely to be some hard luck stories however with a better start LORD OF THE REINS should run a big race and is selected ahead of Noodles Blue Boy and Sir Geoffrey. James Given's gelding was well-held here last time but is now able to race off his proper rating. He looks fairly-treated on his all-weather form and a bold bid is expected. Noodles Blue Boy is one of several course and distance winners in the race and he should come on plenty for his run at Thirsk last month, The Tatling and Solemn give Milton Bradley a strong hand, whilst Sir Geoffrey impressed with his attitude at Ripon last time out but a 4lb higher mark makes life tough. Lucky Dan and King Of Swords are both fairly consistent, Select Committee represents the yard that won this race last year and he has won here before, whilst Bo McGinty and Joyeux have both seen and done it all before. Rio Sands is not ignored on his reappearance despite a wide draw, whilst Embra's second to First Swallow looks solid form. Last-year's winner Pacific Pride sits at the foot of the weights and gives John Quinn a strong hand in this race. He is considered despite being out of the weights as he has a good claimer booked for the ride, however the tentative vote goes to Lord Of The Reins.
Lord of The Reins (IRE) 25-1 (8-4) Held up, ridden entering final furlong, kept on, never dangerous, 9th of 16, 8l behind Lenny Bee (8-8) at Beverley 5f hcp 0-95 (3) gd in Apr.
Noodles Blue Boy 5-1fav (9-1) Always behind, 10th of 12, 10l behind Sir Nod (9-2) at Thirsk 6f hcp 0-75 (5) gd in Apr.
Red Rosanna 20-1 (8-13) Awkwardly away, behind, driven over 1f out, stayed on inside final furlong, never near leaders, 8th of 11, 4l behind Igoyougo (8-12) at Thirsk 5f hcp 0-80 (4) gd.
The Tatling (IRE) 4-1 (9-5) Bumped start, mid-division, headway 3f out, not clear run briefly well over 1f out, stayed on same pace, no impression, 5th of 8, 4l behind Valentino Swing (9-8) at Kempton 6f clm stks (6) pol in Feb.
Solemn 11-2 (8-10) Tracked leaders, ridden to chase winner over 1f out, no impression final furlong, 2nd of 12, 2l behind Lesley's Choice (9-1) at Southwell 5f hcp 0-80 (4) fbs in Nov.
Sir Geoffrey (IRE) 11-1 (9-1) In touch stand side, ridden to lead group 2f out, led overall over 1f out, stayed on under pressure final furlong, held on near finish, won at Ripon 5f hcp 0-75 (5) gf in Apr beating Sands Crooner (8-13) by nk, 13 ran.
Lucky Dan (IRE) 9-1 (8-8) Mid-division, ridden to chase leaders over 1f out, stayed on final furlong, no impression, 3rd of 11, 2l behind Igoyougo (8-12) at Thirsk 5f hcp 0-80 (4) gd.
Select Committee 15-2 (8-13) Chased leaders far side, ridden over 1f out, no impression final furlong, 8th of 13, 4l behind Sir Geoffrey (9-1) at Ripon 5f hcp 0-75 (5) gf in Apr.
Baybshambles (IRE) 10-1 (9-3) Mid-division, outpaced over 2f out, soon ridden, never on terms, 5th of 9, 7l behind Lost In Paris (9-1) at Catterick 5f hcp 0-70 (5) fm.
King Of Swords (IRE) 12-1 (8-5) Behind, steady headway over 1f out, staying on when hampered inside final furlong, ran on towards finish, never nearer, 6th of 11, 3l behind Igoyougo (8-12) at Thirsk 5f hcp 0-80 (4) gd.
Avertuoso 11-1 (9-0) Held up, ridden over 1f out, no impression, 6th of 10, 6l behind Igoyougo (9-7) at Musselburgh 5f hcp 0-75 (5) gs in Oct.
Bo McGinty (IRE) 7-1 (9-5) Behind, headway over 1f out, soon every chance, stayed on same pace, 3rd of 13, 2l behind Kakapuka (8-11) at Bath 6f hcp 0-70 (5) fm in Apr.
Joyeaux 6-1 (9-0) Towards rear, ridden and headway over 2f out, kept on one pace final furlong, 5th of 11, 7l behind Leading Edge (9-1) at Wolverhampton 6f hcp (0-65) (6) pol in Nov.
Rio Sands 18-1 (8-5) In touch stand's side group, weakened over 1f out, 11th of 16, 7l behind Viva Volta (9-0) at Newcastle 6f hcp 0-75 (5) gs in Oct.
Pacific Pride 20-1 (8-4) In touch, one-pace from over 1f out, 8th of 15, 4l behind Select Committee (8-11) at Redcar 5f hcp 0-75 (5) gf in Oct.
Embra (IRE) 7-1 (8-13) Awkward at start, slowly into stride, in touch after 1f, ridden halfway, stayed on to take 2nd close home, 2nd of 14, 1l behind First Swallow (8-13) at Southwell 5f hcp 0-58 (6) fbs in Nov.
