pulled hard, soon tracking leaders, ridden over 2f out, one pace
close up, led over 3f out, ridden over 2f out, headed inside final furlong, kept on
soon behind, ridden well over 2f out, stayed on well from over 1f out
led, headed over 3f out, one pace from over 1f out
tracked leaders, ridden over 2f out, led inside final furlong, kept on well
chased leaders, ridden and every chance approaching final furlong, kept on
soon dropped to rear, ridden over 3f out, one pace final 2f
Nonrunner
Soopacal gets the vote in this nursery handicap, but Grand Fleet and Jennifers Joy can also go well. The selection was well beaten at Ripon last time but that was in a Listed event and he should find this less competitive. The fact that he was put into that race at Ripon suggests that Brian Smart thinks he is quite useful and he can get his head in front here. Grand Fleet finished third behind Burnwynd Boy at Pontefract last time but that race has not worked out all that well so this lightly-raced colt from the Mark Johnston yard does have a bit to prove at present. Jennifers Joy was well beaten at Doncaster last time on her first try over this trip, but this is slightly easier and it might be a bit early to write her off. Geordie Girl has a good draw and she did show improves last time so she could go well at a price, but for the winner we will stick with Soopacal.
Soopacal (IRE) 20-1 (9-2) In touch, ridden along halfway, weakened final furlong, 5th of 7, 10l behind Fat Boy (9-2) at Ripon 6f 2yo lst stk (1) gf in Aug.
Grand Fleet 10-11fav (9-0) Led, ridden over 1f out, headed 1f out, no extra inside final furlong, 3rd of 5, 5l behind Burnwynd Boy (9-0) at Pontefract 6f 2yo stk (2) gd in May.
Jennifers Joy (IRE) 33-1 (7-12) In touch stands side, ridden over 2f out, hampered when weakening over 1f out, 13th of 19, 5l behind Royal Confidence (8-2) at Doncaster 6f 2yo hcp (2) gf.
Hasty Lady 9-1 (9-0) Tracked leaders, pushed along 3f out, weakened over 1f out, 9th of 14, 6l behind Nowaira (9-0) at Leicester 1m 2yo mdn (4) gf.
Maximus Aurelius (IRE) 17-2 (8-12) Tracked leaders, ridden and kept on, 3rd of 16, 3l behind Confidence Trick (9-3) at Chepstow 7f 2yo mdn (5) gf.
Creative (IRE) 25-1 (9-2) Chased leaders in centre, 6th under pressure over 2f out, soon weakened, 16th of 22, 31l behind Sudden Impact (8-11) at Curragh 6f 2yo stk sft in Aug.
Casino Night 12-1 (8-8) Led, ridden, headed over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 6th of 7, 6l behind Rich Kid (8-9) at Leicester 7f 2yo hcp 0-85 (4) gf.
Geordie Girl 16-1 (8-1) Chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, kept on same pace, 3rd of 10, 7l behind Choose Your Moment (9-7) at York 7f 2yo hcp 0-85 (4) gf.