chased winner, effort to challenge when edged right from over 1f out, ridden and kept on final furlong, lost 2nd near finish
chased leaders, ridden and effort and edged right over 1f out, kept on inside final furlong, went 2nd near finish
chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, kept on same pace, no impression
made all, hung badly right to stands side over 2f out, soon ridden, held on under pressure final furlong
in rear, ridden over 2f out, kept on under pressure final furlong, never nearer
mid-division, ridden over 2f out, soon weakened
chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
behind until ridden and kept on final 2f, never troubled leaders
mid-division on outside, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
mid-division, chased leaders over 3f out, ridden and kept on final furlong, no impression
behind, ridden over 2f out, never dangerous
This is a decent looking handicap and although the recent displays from Turn Me On have been very impressive we instead turn to FATHSTA with Sunrise Safari also considered strongly. The selection takes a step down in class here having not missed out by much in a very good contest during Chester's May meeting. That was a continuation of good form in better races and with his jockey claiming three it returns David Nicholls' charge to his last winning mark. Turn Me On has a great record at this track and won over course and distance last time. to make it two wins on the bounce. In this mood he should go well again but looks to have plenty to do stepping up in grade, under a bigger burden on ground that isn't likely to be ideal. Sunrise Safari is on a long losing streak but as a result is now back to his last winning mark so has to be respected and the recent efforts of Horatio Carter represent good form and he looks weighted to go close. Again it's competitive but this time amongst decent types and we side with Fathsta.
Horatio Carter 4-1 (9-4) Tracked leaders, headway to lead 2f out, ridden and edged right under pressure, inside final furlong, headed and no extra towards finish, 2nd of 10, hd behind The Osteopath (9-2) at Newcastle 7f hcp 0-90 (3) gf.
Fathsta (IRE) 7-1 (8-11) Held up, headway on outer to lead 2f out, driven and headed inside final furlong, no extra close home, 3rd of 14, 1 1/2l behind Mister Hardy (8-8) at Chester 1m hcp 0-105 (2) gf.
Sunrise Safari (IRE) 11-4fav (8-13) Towards rear, outpaced halfway, stayed on well final furlong, never nearer, 4th of 13, 6l behind Excusez Moi (9-4) at Ripon 6f hcp 0-85 (4) gf.
Celtic Sultan (IRE) 6-1 (8-11) Led, headed 2f out, one pace until weakened inside final furlong, 8th of 14, 3 1/2l behind Mister Hardy (8-8) at Chester 1m hcp 0-105 (2) gf.
Lady Rangali (IRE) 11-4fav (9-3) Tracked leaders, ridden over 2f out, kept on inside final furlong, no danger with winner, 2nd of 7, 2l behind Medici Pearl (9-1) at Carlisle 7f 3yo fll hcp (4) sft in Jun.
Turn Me On (IRE) 2-1fav (9-1) Mid-division, headway over 2f out, ridden to lead over 1f out, kept on final furlong, won at Catterick 7f hcp 0-80 (4) gf beating Barricado (8-10) by nk, 10 ran.
Stevie Gee (IRE) 14-1 (9-2) Prominent, ridden and weakened over 1f out, 9th of 13, 10l behind Excusez Moi (9-4) at Ripon 6f hcp 0-85 (4) gf.
Keys of Cyprus 11-2 (9-6) Always prominent, effort 2f out, ridden and stayed on inside final furlong, held near finish, 2nd of 15, hd behind Bold Marc (9-3) at Catterick 7f hcap (5) gs in Oct.
Malcheek (IRE) 8-1 (8-13) In touch, ridden halfway, never dangerous, 7th of 13, 8l behind Excusez Moi (9-4) at Ripon 6f hcp 0-85 (4) gf.
Zomerlust 22-1 (9-1) Chased leaders, ridden over 3f out, soon outpaced, 9th of 14, 10l behind Horatio Carter (9-1) at Thirsk 7f hcp 0-85 (4) gf.
Obe Royal 6-1 (9-1) Tracked leaders, hard driven to challenge over 2f out, edged left, kept on same pace, 4th of 9, 3 1/2l behind Elisiario (8-4) at Southwell 7f hcp 0-80 (4) fbs in Apr.
