took keen hold, tracked leader, led 4f out, ridden 2f out, headed well inside final furlong
led, headed 4f out, tracked leader, ridden 2f out, kept on one pace final furlong
tracked leader until 4f out, ridden 3f out, one pace final 2f
in touch in rear, ridden 2f out, no impression
in touch in rear, ridden over 2f out, stayed on to go 3rd inside final furlong, nearest finish
close up, raced alone far side over 3f out, ridden over 1f out, led well inside final furlong, ran on
BALTIMORE JACK has been pulled out of at least one engagement earlier in the week so it can be assumed connections think this is a better opportunity for their charge to follow-up on a win last time out although fellow last time out scorers Shadowtime and Carlitos Spirit should be feared. The pick may have only got home narrowly for that last win but he was very game and with the second placed horse going on to score the form looks solid enough. Shadowtime is a bit of a course specialist and was a cosy enough winner on his last run to suggest he could still be fairly treated under a penalty. Carlitos Spirit can be considered well-in at the weights with him allowed to turn out under the same mark as his runaway victory in an apprentice handicap on friday. Raleigh Key looks the only other to have a claim on the race but he has a bit to prove under this burden so the indications are that care has been taken to find a race for Baltimore Jack to follow up in.
Shadowtime 5-2fav (9-8) Stumbled slightly start, in touch and keen, led over 1f out, soon ridden, kept on well, won at Beverley 1m hcp 0-80 (4) gf beating Avonrose (8-12) by 1 1/4l, 9 ran.
Baltimore Jack (IRE) 5-4fav (10-0) Made all, ridden and edged right off rail over 1f out, strongly pressed well inside final furlong, kept on gamely, won at Nottingham 1m hcp 0-70 (5) gf beating Eastern Gift (9-5) by 1/2l, 7 ran.
Ra Junior (USA) 13-2 (9-7) Tracked leaders, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 4th of 5, 16l behind King Zeal (8-10) at Haydock 1m 2f app hcp (5) gd.
Muftarres (IRE) 40-1 (9-2) Raced wide towards rear, one pace and no impression final 2f, 7th of 10, 23l behind Arizona John (9-4) at Pontefract 1m 2f hcp 0-90 (3) gf in Jun.
Raleigh Quay (IRE) 7-2 (9-7) Held up, ridden 3f out, no impression, 6th of 9, 6l behind Stellite (9-6) at Hamilton 1m hcp 0-75 (5) gd.
Carlitos Spirit (IRE) 4-1fav (9-5) Soon led, ridden and clear over 1f out, eased towards finish, won at Hamilton 1m app hcp 0-60 (6) gs beating Coole Dodger (8-9) by 10l, 9 ran.