chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, led over 1f out, headed inside last, kept on
chased leaders, outpaced over 3f out, kept on from over 1f out, no impression
chased leader, led 3f out, ridden over 2f out, headed over 1f out, one pace
led, headed 3f out, weakened 2f out
mid-division, headway over 1f out, led inside final furlong, kept on well
dwelt, ridden over 3f out, outpaced over 2f out, kept on final furlong
in touch, ridden over 2f out, stayed on final furlong
slowly into stride, soon in touch, ridden over 3f out, weakened over 1f out
This is a better quality affair, despite the small field, and Secret Liaision can follow up a last time out success, at the principal expense of Flying Bantam and Amy Louise. After winning at Southwell in February, Flying Bantam has won twice since, at Thirsk and Beverley. Those two wins have come on a faster surface however, and that and a five pound hike in the ratings may prove prohibitive. Amy Loise has won three of her last four starts, and is progressive. She goes best on an easy surface, and although her win at Thirsk was by only half a length, that race had a good look about it. She is partnered by her winning jockey that day, the excellent Kevin Darley, and off only a three pound higher mark, with any rain helping her cause, she can go close. Secret Liaision showed improved form to score at Kempton last time, after a disappointing re-appearance at Salisbury. The grey has won four of his last six starts, running up a hat-trick last season, and may still be leniently treated. Secret Liaision can come out into the open and lead them home here.
Wavertree Warrior (IRE) 10-1 (8-10) Prominent, ridden and brief effort over 2f out, no extra and one pace from over 1f out, 6th of 11, 7l behind Black Charmer (9-5) at Sandown 7f hcp 0-100 (2) gs in Jun.
Secret Liaison 7-1 (9-11) Led after 2f, ridden over 1f out, ran on, won at Kempton 7f hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Jun beating Electric Warrior (9-6) by a nk, 11 ran.
Amy Louise (IRE) 4-1 (9-11) Held up behind leaders, switched right over 2f out, ran on to lead over 1f out, driven and kept on gamely final furlong, won at Thirsk 1m fll hcp (3) gs in Jun beating Dispol Isle (8-11) by 1/2l, 6 ran.
King Harson 12-1 (8-13) In touch, ridden over 3f out, soon weakened, last of 10, 20l behind H Harrison (8-3) at Musselburgh 7f hcap (4) gd in Jun.
Countdown 15-2 (8-12) Towards rear, headway 2f out, stayed on final furlong, 4th of 14, 2l behind Ice Planet (9-9) at Redcar 6f hcp 0-95 (3) gs in Jun.
Grand Opera (IRE) 20-1 (8-7) Towards rear, headway over 2f out, stayed on final furlong, 4th of 9, 3 1/2l behind Malcheek (9-4) at Thirsk 7f hcp 0-85 (4) frm in May.
Campo Bueno (FR) 12-1 (8-9) Dwelt and towards rear, headway over 2f out, one pace final furlong, 4th of 9, 6l behind Moody Tunes (9-11) at Haydock 1m hcp 0-90 (3) hvy in Jun.
King Marju (IRE) 7-1 (8-13) Slowly into stride and behind, pushed along halfway, some late headway but never reached challenging position, 5th of 7, 2 1/2l behind Rainbow Bay (8-0) at Catterick 6f hcap (4) gf in Jun.
Flying Bantam (IRE) 9-2 (9-2) Held up behind leaders, headway over 1f out, ran on to lead inside final furlong, kept on, won at Beverley 7f hcp 0-70 (5) gf in Jun beating Motafarred (8-10) by 3/4l, 11 ran.