slowly into stride, towards rear, headway on inside over 1f out, swiched left and ridden inside final furlong, kept on
held up towards rear, headway over 1f out, soon ridden, stayed on towards finish
held up towards rear, headway over 1f out, ridden inside final furlong, stayed on to lead towards finish
held up towards rear, ridden and headway over 1f out, kept on inside final furlong, no impression
raced keen, tracked to leader to 5f out, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
held up in touch, ridden over 2f out, hung right and weakened over 1f out
held up towards rear, ridden and weakened over 1f out
tracked leaders, went 2nd 5f out, led over 2f out, soon ridden, headed towards finish, kept on
led and keen, headed over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
A tricky race to call and one where a chance is taken on KIPCHAK to take the measure of Celtic Lynn and Observatory Star. The last-named is now just 2lbs above his last winning mark, which came in August 2008 at Thirsk. This trip is ideal for him and fast ground is not a problem, though his record here of three comfortable defeats from as many starts is less encouraging. Celtic Lynn has not yet won on ground quicker than good, but she ran with plenty of credit on good to firm when runner-up at Newcastle last time and she should see out this extra half furlong. With the Michael Dods runners going well then she can get involved. Elusive Fame is clearly at his best on the artificial surfaces and has yet to even make the frame on turf, while Desert Falls is on a competitive mark but looks bang out of form. Instead, we will turn to Kipchak. Conor Dore's gelding has done all of his winning over 7f and a mile, and he has won two of his three handicaps from higher marks than today's 66. With a fast ground turf win included in that lot there is plenty going for him, and he gets the nod.
Indian Skipper (IRE) 25-1 (8-9) Slowly into stride, headway over 1f out, ridden inside final furlong, kept on to take 2nd towards finish, 2nd of 13, 3l behind Novellen Lad (9-3) at Haydock 6f hcp 0-85 (4) gf.
Observatory Star (IRE) 4-1 (8-12) Chased leaders, ridden over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong, 5th of 7, 8l behind Danehillsundance (8-5) at Beverley 1m hcp 0-85 (4) gd.
Summer Dancer (IRE) 28-1 (8-11) Raced keenly, held up behind, ridden 3f out, stayed on under pressure from over 1f out, never troubled leaders, 5th of 8, 5l behind Game Lad (8-10) at Carlisle 7f hcp 0-85 (4) gf.
Celtic Lynn (IRE) 2-1fav (9-3) Held up, headway over 1f out, kept on to take 2nd place inside last, no chance with winner, 2nd of 7, 4l behind Game Lad (8-13) at Newcastle 7f hcp 0-75 (5) gf.
Desert Falls 20-1 (8-4) Took keen hold, chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, soon weakened, last of 9, 31l behind Dubai Dynamo (9-4) at Newcastle 7f hcp 0-90 (3) gf.
Elusive Fame (USA) 9-2 (9-1) Tracked leaders, challenged 2f out, ridden to lead over 1f out, stayed on well to go clear final furlong, comfortably, won at Southwell 1m hcp 0-80 (4) fbs beating Hits Only Jude (9-4) by 5l, 8 ran.
Glenmuir (IRE) 8-1 (8-2) Close up on outside, lost place over 3f out, driven and stayed on to chase leaders over 1f out, kept on, 5th of 7, 1 1/2l behind Turn Me On (8-11) at Catterick 7f hcp 0-80 (4) fm.
Ansells Pride (IRE) 9-2 (9-2) Led, hard ridden and headed over 1f out, weakened final furlong, 7th of 10, 5l behind French Art (9-1) at Pontefract 1m hcp 0-70 (5) gf in Apr.
Kipchak (IRE) 8-1 (9-6) With winner until ridden and outpaced 3f out, kept on same pace under pressure final 2f , no chance with winner, 2nd of 8, 11l behind Royal Dignitary (9-5) at Southwell 1m clm stks (6) fbs.
