hampered start, soon pushed along in rear, never dangerous
led, ridden over 2f out, headed just over 1f out, no extra final furlong
behind, hard driven halfway, never a factor
went left start, soon in touch, under pressure halfway, soon beaten
chased leaders until halfway, gradually weakened
steadied start, held up towards rear, headway well over 1f out, hard ridden and ran on to lead well inside final furlong, all out
hampered start, behind, headway final furlong, never nearer
always prominent, led over 1f out, headed close home
held up mid-division, headway well over 1f out, soon one pace
A poor contest where Michael Dods looks to have found a good opportunity for AFRICA'S STAR, who is well in at the weights and can come home ahead of What A Fella. With none of these having enjoyed a recent win, stakes should definitely be kept to a minimum, and although the selection looks far enough clear at the weights prudence is still advised. This trip is ideal for the Dods-trained filly, whose Thirsk run behind Crimea last month looks the best piece of recent form on offer, and if you can forgive him his latest Beverley effort then he looks most likely to emerge victorious. What A Fella remains a maiden after 12 starts but now races from a career low mark and has the useful Amy Ryan's 5lb claim to further lighten the load, so if there is ever going to be a winning day then this has to be on the short list. Paddy Jack has gone well here in the past but is another long standing maiden and therefore one to consider with caution. Some of his old form entitles him to respect in context but we are happy to take him on. Mary West may be open to a bit of improvement at some stage after just four runs. Despite being thrashed last time this is much more likely to be her sort of company and a bold showing is not discounted. A race to treat with kid gloves and Africa's Star is the suggestion.
Gelert (IRE) 100-1 (8-8) Tracked leaders, weakened halfway, last of 7, 9l behind Gap Princess (8-10) at Hamilton 5f Claiming Stakes (3-5yo) (6) gf in Jun.
Paddy Jack 9-2 (9-9) Chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 5th of 9, 8l behind Neo's Mate (8-12) at Catterick 6f mdn auc stks (6) gf.
Sokoke 200-1 (8-10) Always behind, 10th of 11, 12l behind Blue Tomato (9-2) at Musselburgh 5f sell stks (6) gf in May.
Badtanman 40-1 (8-3) Chased leaders, outpaced halfway, soon ridden and no impression, 5th of 8, 7l behind Secret Venue (9-5) at Musselburgh 5f 3yo hcp 0-65 (6) gf in Jun.
Rightcar Lewis 80-1 (8-8) Slowly into stride pushed along in rear, kept on from over 1f out no impression, 4th of 7, 5l behind Gap Princess (8-10) at Hamilton 5f Claiming Stakes (3-5yo) (6) gf in Jun.
Tarus (IRE) 80-1 (8-3) Led, headed approaching final furlong, weakened entering final furlong, 7th of 10, 6l behind Optical Illusion (9-5) at Hamilton 6f hcp 0-65 (6) gf in Jun.
What A Fella 20-1 (8-4) Mid-division, ridden and hampered over 1f out, weakened final furlong, 11th of 14, 7l behind Solemn (9-3) at Beverley 5f hcp 0-65 (6) gf.
Africa's Star (IRE) 11-4fav (8-12) Chased leaders, weakened entering final furlong, 12th of 14, 11l behind Hitches Dubai (9-8) at Beverley 5f mdn stks (5) gf.
Arriva La Diva 100-1 (8-5) Tracked leaders centre, weakened 2f out, last of 10, 24l behind Kammaan (8-12) at Newcastle 7f 3yo fll stks (5) gs in Jun.
Whisper Softly (IRE) 66-1 (8-12) In touch, ridden along halfway, soon weakened, 9th of 11, 19l behind Medicean Man (9-3) at Doncaster 6f mdn stks (5) gd in Jun.
Maigh Eo (IRE) 80-1 (8-13) Tracked leaders, ridden over 2f out, weakened well over 1f out, 10th of 12, 13l behind Sarasota Sunshine (9-7) at Wolverhampton 6f 3yo hcp 0-65 (6) pol in Jun.
Mary West (IRE) 16-1 (8-10) Held up, mainly always in rear, last of 11, 12l behind Perfect Honour (8-12) at Wolverhampton 5f hcp 0-60 (6) pol in Apr.
