chased winner, ridden over 1f out, no impression
made all, ridden and drew clear from over 2f out
towards rear, ridden 3f out, never troubled leaders
mid-division, outpaced 4f out
held up, headway over 2f out, never dangerous
in touch, headway over 3f out, one pace
towards rear, ridden over 2f out, never dangerous
chased leaders, outpaced over 2f out
Not for the first time today a market check is advised as good recent form here is in short supply and we tentatively side with NEW TRICKS; Step Fast and Blackstone Vegas also make the shortlist. The little exposed selection was the runner up when last seen over course and distance and although his following run at Redcar was a tad disappointing, he looks capable of striking off such a lowly mark. Mark Johnston's Step Fast looked to have done over the winter but was disappointing on her return last time. She managed to keep tabs on the leader but dropped away at the business end although this drop in trip could suit. Backstone Vegas looks best of the remainder.
Blackstone Vegas 22-1 (9-5) Chased leaders, driven 5f out, ridden and weakened 2f out, 7th of 9, 16l behind Classic Contours (8-5) at Hamilton 1m 4f hcp 0-70 (5) gs in May.
New Tricks 8-1 (9-2) Took keen hold behind leaders, ridden along over 3f out, weakened over 1f out, 9th of 14, 11l behind Bollin Judith (8-12) at Redcar 1m 6f (6) gf in May.
Annes Sound (IRE) 200-1 (8-12) Always towards rear, 9th of 11, 20l behind Harbinger (9-3) at Chester 1m 2f 3yo mdn (4) gf in May.
Step Fast (USA) 9-2 (8-4) In touch, driven to challenge and every chance over 1f out, weakened final furlong, 11th of 12, 8l behind Berriedale (8-4) at Beverley 1m 4f stks 0-55 (6) gf in May.
Strevelyn 40-1 (8-4) Always behind, 14th of 17, 32l behind Just Five (8-12) at Newcastle 1m 3yo hcp 0-65 (6) sft in May.
Sydney Cove (IRE) 50-1 (8-4) Slowly into stride, always behind, 13th of 17, 23l behind Just Five (8-12) at Newcastle 1m 3yo hcp 0-65 (6) sft in May.
Knock Three Times (IRE) 100-1 (8-5) Towards rear, ridden halfway, no impression final furlong, 7th of 13, 26l behind Lady Luachmhar (8-12) at Ripon 1m 1f 3yo mdn (5) gs in May.
Tillietudlem (FR) 25-1 (8-5) Chased leader to over 3f out, soon weakened, 11th of 13, 18l behind Spartan Prince (8-5) at Wolverhampton 1m 1f mdn stks (5) pol in Feb.
Ernies Keep 50-1 (8-7) Always rear division, 8th of 10, 23l behind Southern Mistral (9-10) at Ripon 1m 2f 3yo & 4yo sll (5) gf in Apr.