mid-division, ridden over 2f out, weakened 1f out
with leaders until no extra final furlong
with leaders, raced wide, stayed on final furlong
chased leaders, weakened over 1f out
chased leaders until no extra over 1f out
towards rear, headway over 1f out, kept on
led, headed towards finish, kept on
behind, never dangerous
behind, driven halfway, some headway 1f out
mid-division, ridden, headway over 1f out, stayed on to lead towards finish
mid-division, stayed on 1f out
mid-division, effort over 1f out, no impression
prominent, weakened 2f out
behind, headway final furlong, kept on
Windjammer gets the vote to land this despite the obvious concern that blinkers may not have the same affect today. Tim Easterby's charge hit the gates running at Catterick last time, making all on that occasion where his rivals could never land a blow. A low draw makes things that bit tougher but even off a 6lb higher mark, he could remain well handicapped. Desert Opal did not appear to see out the trip last time after racing very free in the early part of the contest. He likes to dominate and it will make for interesting viewing with both he and Windjammer likely to be on the pace. Just Joey scored for the first time in almost two years on her penultimate start and remains on a workable mark. Mineral Rights ran well last time out considering he had to race wide of the field and the headgear has certainly brought about an improved level of form from him. Darcy's Pride has a 6lb pull with Windjammer for a 1 3/4l beating last time but the feeling is that Windjammer was better value for more than the stated winning margin. Duel course and distance winner Whinhill House is another one to consider in a wide open heat but Windjammer is selected to achieve back-to-back victories.
Inspainagain (USA) 14-1 (8-8) Towards rear, no impression over 1f out, 10th of 14, 6l behind Princess Ellis (9-0) at Musselburgh 5f hcp 0-85 (4) gf.
Windjammer 5-1 (9-6) Made all, clear halfway, ridden out final furlong, eased close home, won at Catterick 5f hcp 0-70 (5) gs beating Darcy's Pride (9-8) by 2l, 12 ran.
Nomoreblondes 14-1 (9-4) Close up, ridden and outpaced over 1f out, no impression final furlong, 8th of 16, 9l behind Baybshambles (8-8) at Beverley 5f hcap (5) gf in May.
Mineral Rights (USA) 9-2 (10-0) Raced alone centre, close up, challenged, every chance entering final furlong, kept on, held towards finish, 2nd of 13, 3/4l behind Ronnie Howe (9-12) at Hamilton 5f hcap (6) gf.
Darcy's Pride (IRE) 8-1 (9-8) Chased leaders, ridden along halfway, kept on to take 2nd inside final furlong, 2nd of 12, 2l behind Windjammer (9-6) at Catterick 5f hcp 0-70 (5) gs.
Just Joey 6-1 (9-12) Prominent, driven over 1f out, stayed on same pace, 4th of 15, 4 1/2l behind Metal Guru (9-6) at Beverley 5f fll hcp (6) gf.
Choisette 10-1 (9-4) Led stand's side group, ridden and headed over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong, 8th of 16, 5l behind Miss Daawe (8-3) at Thirsk 5f fll hcp (5) gs.
Whinhill House 9-2 (8-8) Led, ridden and headed 1f out, not quicken inside final furlong, 4th of 10, 1 1/2l behind Mandurah (8-10) at Haydock 5f app hcp (5) gf in May.
Argentine (IRE) 16-1 (8-10) Switched to race stand's side after 1f, ridden and effort 2f out, weakened final furlong, 14th of 15, 16l behind Gap Princess (8-9) at Carlisle 6f hcp 0-70 (5) gf in May.
Killer Class 3-1fav (8-13) Held up stand's side, headway 2f out, ran on final furlong, 2nd of 16, 1 1/2l behind Miss Daawe (8-3) at Thirsk 5f fll hcp (5) gs.
Kings College Boy 15-2 (8-2) Slowly into stride, soon chasing leaders, ridden over 1f out, stayed on inside final furlong, 5th of 13, 4l behind Namir (9-1) at Pontefract 5f hcp 0-75 (5) gd.
Invincible Lad (IRE) 7-2fav (9-0) Held up behind leaders, effort over 2f out, soon beaten, 12th of 14, 12l behind Zabeel Tower (8-11) at Thirsk 7f hcp (6) gf in May.
Miacarla 12-1 (9-2) Held up behind leaders, smooth headway and every chance entering final furlong, no extra inside, 7th of 15, 5l behind Metal Guru (9-6) at Beverley 5f fll hcp (6) gf.
The Thrifty Bear 50-1 (7-13) In touch, weakened over 1f out, last of 16, 16l behind Opal Noir (9-0) at Hamilton 6f hcap (5) gf.
Fern House (IRE) 18-1 (8-10) Always behind, 10th of 13, 10l behind Ronnie Howe (9-12) at Hamilton 5f hcap (6) gf.
Desert Opal 20-1 (9-10) In touch, chased leaders an effort over 1f out, not quicken and kept on one pace, 4th of 12, 2l behind Fairfield Princess (9-1) at Kempton 5f hcap (5) pol.
Who's Winning (IRE) 33-1 (8-9) Slowly into stride, always towards rear on stands' side, 9th of 13, 13l behind Tilsworth Charlie (8-5) at Goodwood 6f hcp 0-70 (5) gd.
