pushed along and soon outpaced, kept on inside final furlong, nearest finish
pressed winner until over 1f out, kept on same pace final furlong, lost 2nd close home
made all, soon pressed, pushed clear over 1f out, idled inside final furlong
chased leading pair, ridden 2f out, kept on to go 2nd close home
The two veterans head the weights but the nine-year-old Stormbound may well need the run after an absence of 290 days and Swiss Cross is unlikely to be progressing at the age of 11. But he looks best of the pair though as he's been dropped to a tempting mark by the handicapper and continues to perform with consistency and enthusiasm. The 5lb claim of Jason Watson will aid his cause too but ON A MAY DAY (NAP) looked a typical Mark Johnston improver when romping home unchallenged over course and distance a week ago. She is really hard to oppose under what rate her optimum conditions at present. Sukhovey ran pretty well on a first outing after wind surgery last time but will need a major jolt of improvement to trouble the selection.
Stormbound (IRE) 13-2 (10-0) Held up in rear, headway over 1f out, no impression, weakened inside final furlong, 8th of 12, 10 3/4l behind Bell Heather (9-8) at Wolverhampton 1m 1f hcp (6) pol in Sep.
Swiss Cross 20-1 (9-5) Tracked leaders, ridden over 1f out, kept on one pace, 4th of 12, 11l behind La Isla Bonita (8-13) at Yarmouth 7f hcp (6) gf in Jun.
On A May Day (IRE) 7-1 (9-6) Keen, made all, ridden 3 lengths clear entering final furlong, eased down towards finish, won at Brighton 7f hcp (6) gf in Jun beating Bombshell Bay (9-5) by 5l, 7 ran.
Sukhovey (USA) 25-1 (8-11) Chased leaders, pushed along halfway, ridden in 3rd when hung left approaching final furlong, kept on same pace, lost 3rd final strides, 4th of 12, 8 1/2l behind Pride's Gold (8-11) at Wolverhampton 7f fll stks (5) pol in Jun.
