led, ridden and headed over 2f out, weakened final furlong
in touch, headway and effort 2f out, no extra final furlong
mid-division, pushed along halfway, ridden and no impression final 2f
tracked leaders, ridden over 2f out, led over 1f out, headed inside final furlong, no extra towards finish
towards rear, pushed along halfway, switched right and headway 2f out, stayed on well to lead inside final furlong, hung left and stayed on towards finish
slowly into stride, soon in touch, effort 2f out, every chance entering final furlong, one pace towards finish
mid-division, pushed along halfway, ridden and kept on one pace final 2f
towards rear, never dangerous
mid-division, ridden halfway, soon weakened
mid-division, weakened halfway
slowly into stride, towards rear, ridden halfway, kept on final furlong, never dangerous
missed break towards rear, never dangerous
chased leaders, effort 2f out, no extra final furlong
chased leader, ridden to lead over 2f out, headed over 1f out, weakened final furlong
Few boast solid recent form in a weak sprint claimer and a chance is taken that Bannister retains enough ability to take the honours at the main expense of Sarraaf, Its Ecco Boy and Lion's Domane. Formerly a smart juvenile when successful in the Group 2 Gimcrack Stakes in 2000 for Richard Hannon, the five-year-old is nowhere near the force of old but showed last time when a close second in a competitive Doncaster handicap that he still has the enthusiasm for the game and should give a good account on these terms. Sarraaf has the potential to go close despite top weight but is far from straightforward and is now tried in a first-time visor while recent Nottingham selling winner, Its Ecco Boy, has every chance on the form of his Catterick handicap fourth last time. Lion's Domane ran as though was amiss last time and is better judged on back-to-back wins at Thirsk and Musselburgh in similar grade but Bannister looks capable of ending a long losing sequence under Tony Eaves.