held up in touch, effort over 1f out, no impression final furlong
dwelt soon tracked leader, ridden over 3f out, every chance over 1f out, driven and ran on close home
steady start, keen and held up, in touch, ridden over 2f out, stayed on same pace final furlong
led, ridden and headed inside final furlong, no extra
After winning a Down Royal claimer, Friends Hope came across the water to win over 10 furlongs on Southwell's all-weather five days ago. He runs here from around the same mark, when factoring in his rider's allowance, so is the one to beat in this low-grade affair. The Jeremy Noseda-trained Silver Cache will surely improve stepped up in trip on his Turf debut and rates a big danger, while Incisor, who has so far run indifferently three times on switchback tracks, including here, showed improved form when stepped up to 10 furlongs at Nottingham last time, and he could go well too. The other three have looked ordinary so far, although Queen's Fantasy is now fitted with a first-time visor. It's a close call but the nod just goes to Friends Hope.