made all, ridden and strongly pressed from over 1f out, stayed on gamely under pressure inside final furlong and on top final 100 yards
held up last, effort on inside and hung left 2f out, went 3rd over 1f out, no impression on leading duo
raced in 2nd or 3rd, tracking winner, went 2nd 2f out, ridden to challenge and every chance entering final furlong, found no extra and held final 100 yards
started very slowly, in touch after 2f, headway on outside over 3f out, soon ridden, weakened over 2f out
Nonrunner
ROWAN TIGER is effectively racing off a mark a few lbs lower than when last scoring and after finally proving himself on turf last time out he should take all the beating in this handicap leaving Valdan and Norman The Great fighting for minor honours. A beaten favourite when missing out by a neck at Epsom on his last run the selection has a good record over this trip winning three from five efforts. He's up just a couple of lbs for that defeat and has a clear chance in a race that shouldn't take much winning. Valdan is running consistently well but was a well held third off this mark last time while Norman The Great should be seen to better effect with 3lbs off his back after his last run. Gandalf made a solid return to action and is only 1lb worse off than when last in front so if he can magic some improvement he'll have every chance but Rowan Tiger looks ready to win off a light looking mark.
Rowan Tiger 7-4fav (9-3) Held up intouch, headway to chase leader over 2f out, challenged from over 1f out, soon every chance, stayed on, unable to quicken near finish, 3rd of 7, hd behind Silent Applause (8-13) at Epsom Downs 1m 4f hcp 0-75 (5) gf.
Norman The Great 4-1 (9-7) Raced wide, close up, ridden 3f out, kept on one pace from over 1f out, 4th of 7, 7l behind Silent Applause (8-13) at Epsom Downs 1m 4f hcp 0-75 (5) gf.
Gandalf 7-2 (9-11) Dwelt, in rear took closer order 5f out, ridden to go 3rd 1f out never dangerous, 3rd of 5, 7l behind Star Choice (9-7) at Lingfield 2m app hcp 0-75 (5) pol in Mar.
Gold Ring 28-1 (8-13) Always in rear, 11th of 12, 5l behind Alternative Choice (9-8) at Wolverhampton 1m 4f clm stks 0-60 (6) pol.
Mr Plod 7-1 (8-11) Tracked leader, driven 3f out, soon lost place, weakened and eased over 1f out, tailed off, last of 5, 39l behind Royal Premier (7-12) at Yarmouth 1m 6f hcp 0-75 (5) gf in May.
Pelham Crescent (IRE) 16-1 (9-10) Held up towards rear, ridden over 3f out, kept on under pressure inside final furlong, never going pace to threaten leaders, 4th of 9, 4 1/2l behind Spoken (9-3) at Bath 1m hcp 0-80 (4) fm.
Valdan (IRE) 11-2 (9-1) Held up, switched left over 1f out, ridden and stayed on inside final furlong, 4th of 10, 3 1/2l behind Oriental Cavalier (9-11) at Chester 1m 4f hcp 0-75 (5) gf.