chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, no impression and outpaced over 1f out, well beaten final furlong
edged left start, held up behind leaders, unable to quicken over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong
led until over 4f out, led again over 3f out, driven and headed inside final furlong, kept on
bumped start, chased leaders, effort on outside 2f out, went 2nd over 1f out, edged left and led inside final furlong, stayed on
raced keenly, prominent, led over 4f out until over 3f out, no extra inside final furlong
edged right start, in rear, outpaced over 2f out, no impression
ESPRESSOO is penalised for a six-length romp at Ayr on last week’s reappearance but the Johnstons’ filly is due to be raised a further 7lb after this and looks the one to beat on her handicap debut. Atomise beat the selection in novice company at Leicester last year but disappointed on her handicap bow with Midheaven looking a bigger threat having won in novice company at Lingfield. Flame of Freedom never threatened in a Listed race last time but will be more at home back at this level.
Flame of Freedom (IRE) 33-1 (9-0) Held up in 5th, pushed along on inside over 2f out, ridden and unable to quicken over 1f out, never dangerous after, 6th of 7, 2 3/4l behind Roman Mist (9-0) at Kempton 1m lst fll stks (1) pol in Apr.
Hot Chesnut 7-1 (9-0) Awkwardly away, raced wide close up, ridden 2f out, soon weakened, 12th of 13, 19 1/4l behind Dashing Dick (9-4) at Leicester 7f hcp (4) gs in Apr.
Midheaven (IRE) 3-1fav (9-0) Chased front pair, ridden and pressed leaders well over 1f out, led under 1f out, soon went clear, pushed out and stayed on strongly, readily, won at Lingfield 7f fll stks (5) pol in Dec beating Shibori (9-0) by 3 3/4l, 10 ran.
Espressoo 6-5fav (9-0) Made most, quickened clear approaching final furlong, comfortable, won at Ayr 7f mdn fll stks (4) gd in Apr beating Brazilian Beach (9-0) by 6l, 9 ran.
Amanda Hug'n'kiss 40-1 (9-0) Dwelt and hampered start, soon switched left, in touch, pushed along 2f out, faded inside final furlong, 8th of 12, 4 1/2l behind Aasser (9-2) at Lingfield 6f hcp (4) pol in Apr.
Atomise 15-2 (9-0) Steadied and went left start, held up in rear, never involved, 6th of 8, 5 3/4l behind Designer (9-7) at Kempton 6f hcp (4) pol in Apr.