tracked leaders, ridden over 2f out, weakened approaching final furlong
keen, chased leaders, lost place over 4f out, ridden and some headway 2f out, never dangerous
chased leaders, ridden halfway, chased winner briefly over 1f out, one pace final furlong
slowly away and behind, ridden and headway when not much room over 1f out, soon chased winner, driven and gaining towards finish
tracked leader, led over 2f out, driven and all out
always in rear
chased leaders, ridden 3f out, weakened over 1f out
led, ridden and headed over 2f out, kept on one pace
Good recent form is in short supply here but it should remain competitive as six of the nine that run here have won over course and distance in the past and we will side with STEIG to get the better of Sofia's Star and Wrighty Almighty. The George Baker trained selection, who was a beaten favourite when last seen, has finished third at the last couple of attempts but he should have come on for the last outing and with two wins over course and distance on this type of ground to his credit last season the conditions are very much to his liking. The gelding has proven hard to win with in the past but this could be his easiest test for a while. Sofia's Star last won over this trip six months ago and her form since returning to action back in January has been questionable that said she has been running over 8f so the step down to her favoured trip should see her do better today and a place among the minors looks possible. Wrighty Almighty is without a win since January 2008 off 65 and is now 5lb lower, but his last four wins have been over a mile and he may not have the pace for this sharp 7f, amongst this company though he should be capable of making the frame. Mick Is Back looks best of the remainder, he's finished runner up at the last couple of attempts but conditions are against him today, so we will stick with Stieg.
Pab Special (IRE) 12-1 (9-0) Keen and always in rear, last of 8, 35l behind Samurai Warrior (8-7) at Lingfield 1m 2f hacp 0-70 (5) in May.
Wrighty Almighty (IRE) 3-1fav (8-10) Dwelt, towards rear, hampered on stand rail over 3f out, ran on inside final furlong, not reach leaders, 4th of 10, 2l behind Convince (7-13) at Brighton 7f hcp 0-65 (6) gd in May.
Mick Is Back 10-3 (9-5) Tracked leaders, ridden and hung left over 1f out, driven to chase winner inside final furlong, no impression, 2nd of 7, 1 1/4l behind Sinbad The Sailor (9-7) at Brighton 1m 2f hcp 0-65 (6) gd.
Sofia's Star 9-1 (8-0) Slowly into stride, held up in last pair, pushed along 3f out, soon no headway, 7th of 9, 9l behind Mujood (8-12) at Goodwood 1m hcp 0-85 (4) gf in May.
Steig (IRE) 11-8fav (8-11) Chased leader, led 5f out, brought field to stand rail in straight, ridden over 1f out, headed inside final furlong, no chance with winner and lost 2nd towards finish, 3rd of 7, 5l behind Heroes (9-5) at Brighton 1m clm stks (6) gd in May.
Spent 10-1 (9-8) Held up, ridden approaching 3f out, soon weakened, 6th of 7, 14l behind Kipchak (10-0) at Lingfield 1m sell stks (6) pol in Mar.
Mountain Pass (USA) 5-1 (9-7) Raced keenly, prominent, chased winner 2f out, kept on inside final furlong, always held, 2nd of 7, 1l behind Landucci (9-13) at Brighton 7f sell stks (6) gd.
Jonnie Skull (IRE) 14-1 (8-7) Tracked leader, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 8th of 15, 8l behind Crystallize (9-7) at Yarmouth 7f 3yo hcp 0-60 (6) gd in May.
Lancaster Lad (IRE) 8-1 (9-7) Steadied start, held up in rear, headway from 3f out, went 3rd over 1f out, hanging badly left, no impression on leading pair, 3rd of 7, 4 1/2l behind Landucci (9-13) at Brighton 7f sell stks (6) gd.
