tracked leaders after 3f, ridden to chase winner 3f out, clear with winner 2f out, ran on, but no impression final furlong
made all, ridden and clear with second 2f out, ran on
tracked winner until ridden 3f out, plugged on same pace
in rear, ridden and headway to chase clear leaders over 1f out, plugged on same pace
tracked leaders, pushed along 4f out, plugged on same pace final 2f
towards rear, ridden 3f out, no impression
Hot Spice stepped up to 1m6f for the first time on the Flat at Redcar and made most, staying on strongly when challenged. This longer trip should be even more in his favour and he will take some pegging back but DR IRV is taken to catch him and gain his fifth victory. He's been competing at a higher level and was in tremendous form around this time a year ago, winning three times over this trip. Anne's Valentino completed a double in May when the ground was on the soft side and made a bold bid for a hat-trick last month at Doncaster. She's still well treated and looks a live threat. Ferdy has never raced beyond 1m4f so his stamina has to be taken on trust but Danceintothelight stays forever and, though behind Hot Spice last time, the longer trip is in his favour. Sohcahtoa scored over hurdles at Hexham 10 days ago so can't be dismissed in a tight little handicap.
Dr Irv 9-1 (8-7) Held up towards rear, headway over 2f out, ridden over 1f out, no extra inside final furlong, 6th of 14, 9l behind Totalize (8-10) at York 1m 6f hcp 0-90 (3) gd in Jun.
Hot Spice 4-1 (9-4) With leader, led over 9f out, kept on well inside final furlong, won at Redcar 1m 6f hcp 0-65 (6) gf in Jun beating Maoi Chinn Tire (8-13) by 4l, 12 ran.
Anne's Valentino 11-4fav (9-1) Tracked leaders, every chance over 2f out, led over 2f out, headed over 1f out, kept on, 2nd of 10, 1l behind Eastern Magic (8-9) at Doncaster 1m 7f app hcp 0-70 (5) gd in Jun.
Ferdy (IRE) 7-1 (9-3) Held up towards rear, headway on outside over 2f out, chasing leaders and hung left over 1f out, went 2nd inside final furlong, not reach winner, 2nd of 13, 1 1/2l behind Amazing Blue Sky (8-10) at Thirsk 1m 4f hcp 0-60 (6) gf in Jun.
Danceintothelight 20-1 (8-9) Tracked leaders, pushed along over 3f out, went 3rd final furlong, kept on, 3rd of 12, 5l behind Hot Spice (9-4) at Redcar 1m 6f hcp 0-65 (6) gf in Jun.
Sohcahtoa (IRE) 25-1 (8-13) Held up towards rear, ridden over 2f out, never dangerous, last of 7, 9l behind A Southside Boy (9-9) at Ayr 1m 5f hcp 0-65 (6) gf in Apr.