mid-division, pushed along and headway 2f out, stayed on strongly inside final furlong
prominent, effort over 1f out, no extra final furlong
in touch, pushed along halfway, soon ridden, no impression
led, headed over 2f out, weakened final furlong
prominent, led over 2f out, ridden out
chased leaders, effort over 2f out, kept on under pressure final furlong
in touch, ridden halfway, weakened over 1f out
held up towards rear, pushed along halfway, stayed on final furlong
chased leaders, effort 2f out, one pace final furlong
Stratham posted an improved effort on his latest start and is preferred over Royal Engineer and Bold Tiger, who make the most appeal out of the rest with experience. The Richard Fahey-trained Great Chieftain is a likely type on breeding and is also worth monitoring in the betting. He is related to several winners abroad and it will be interesting to see how he develops from here. The fact that he has already been gelded is a little disconcerting, but his yard have been in good form and he can be expected to be fit enough to do himself justice. Bold Tiger was third in a modest race at Redcar, where he gave the impression that another furlong would not go amiss. This stiff finish will help him and he holds fair place claims if he has thrived since his first run. Royal Engineer was well touted before he ran green on his introduction at Pontefract. Still, time may tell that he lost nothing in defeat to a potentially smart rival in Strike Up The Band. However, the runner up from that race was well held at Beverley last weekend and he now needs to post a much improved display. Therefore we go with Stratham, who came up against some fair types on his own debut last month. He then proved that he had learnt plenty from that outing by going close at Brighton eighteen days ago. The son of Mozart should have no problems with the ground and, with his yard in great form at present, Stratham looks a good call to deliver at the third time of asking.
Angaric (IRE) Pivotal colt out of a lightly-raced mare.
Avertible Averti gelding, half-brother to 3 winners between 5f & 1m1f.
Bold Tiger (IRE) 17-2 Chased leaders, pushed along halfway, ridden and stayed on final furlong, 3rd of 16, 2l behind Ryedale Ovation at Redcar 5f 2yo mdn aut gd in Apr.
Great Chieftain (IRE) Lend A Hand gelding, half-brother to 5f winner Tri Cuins.
Royal Engineer 4-1 Slowly away, soon in touch on outer, pushed along and ran green halfway, weakened final furlong, 5th of 9, 11l behind Strike Up The Band at Pontefract 5f 2yo mdn gd in Apr.
Dune Melody (IRE) 4-1 Dwelt, soon in touch, outpaced 2f out, soon ridden, stayed on under pressure inside final furlong, 3rd of 12, 4 1/2l behind Mr Rooney at Beverley 5f 2yo mdn aut gd in Apr.
