chased leaders, ridden and lost place over 1f out, no impression when not much room inside final furlong
slowly into stride and behind, hampered after 2f, never dangerous
led 2f, chased winner, ridden 2f out, soon lost place
chased leaders, ridden over 1f out, kept on same pace final furlong
mid-division, ridden and headway over 2f out, stayed on to go second over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong
slowly into stride, edged right after 2f, ridden and wandered final 2f, never dangerous
soon behind, never dangerous
chased leaders, ridden over 1f out, stayed on same pace final furlong
in touch, led after 2f, ridden well over 1f out, soon clear, comfortably
behind and soon out paced, ridden over 2f out, headway under pressure from over 1f out, ran on strongly inside final furlong, nearest finish
mid-division, ridden 2f out, headway under pressure approaching final furlong, stayed on, no chance with winner
mid-division, raced wide entering straight, ridden and kept on final 2f, never nearer.
slowly into stride, towards rear, ridden and some headway from over 1f out, kept on, never nearer
Despite a 6lb penalty, Cherokee Nation can race off the same mark as when winning at Ripon on Monday night and, provided recent excursions have not taken their toll, he can complete a hat-trick at the main expense of Volaticus and Thornaby Green. The last mentioned is gradually slipping to a fair mark and has been given a break since making his return at Carlisle in May. He could be interesting, especially now that the stable of David Barron is back among the winners. The David Nicholls-trained Volaticus is less exposed than some of his rivals and has to be respected but may want a softer surface to show his best form. Top weight Champagne Cracker is 6lbs higher than when scoring at Haydock last month and struggled off his new mark at Ayr last time so a bigger threat may come from Pat Haslam's Maunby Raver, who has been given a break since his latest start and is potentially well treated on all-weather form. Game Flora and Wendy's Girl are others worthy of a mention but the vote goes to the in-form Cherokee Nation.
