tracked leader, challenged 3f out, soon ridden, unable to quicken from 2f out, kept on same pace
led, ridden and pressed 3f out, headed 1f out, no extra close home
prominent, last an outpaced over 2f out, no impression after
held up in 4th, pushed along over 3f out, headway 2f out, led 1f out, edged right inside final furong, stayed on well
COTTON GRASS scored on her handicap debut at Yarmouth last month and has plenty of scope for improvement on only her fifth start. Paul Hanagan takes over riding duties and Mark Tompkins' filly looks to have every chance of following-up in this company. Hal Of A Lover makes a quick reappearance having finished third at Catterick on Wednesday. He looks the chief threat as Bella Montagna disappointed in the same race on her handicap bow. Brook Star and Downtown Boy have plenty to find on form and have yet to prove they stay the trip.
Cotton Grass 11-2 (8-11) Mid-division, headway over 2f out, chased leader over 1f out, stayed on to lead post, won at Yarmouth 1m 3f 3yo hcp 0-65 (6) gf in Jun beating Surprise (9-1) by ns, 12 ran.
Hal Of A Lover 9-2 (8-8) Held up in rear, took keen hold, ridden over 3f out, well held over 1f out, last of 8, 11l behind Dark Dune (9-7) at Haydock 1m 6f 3yo hcp 0-70 (5) gf.
Brook Star (IRE) 28-1 (8-9) In rear, behind over 3f out, kept on final furlong, never near leaders, 4th of 7, 11l behind Circle Of Angels (8-9) at Hamilton 1m 1f mdn auc stks (6) gd in Jun.
Downtown Boy (IRE) 7-1 (7-13) Raced wide, always behind, 10th of 12, 27l behind Viking Warrior (9-0) at Thirsk 7f hcp 0-70 (5) gd in Jun.
Bella Montagna 14-1 (8-11) Chased leaders, ridden halfway, headway over 1f out, went 2nd entering final furlong, no chance with winner, 2nd of 6, 6l behind Set Me Free (9-2) at Redcar 1m mdn auc stks (6) gf in Jun.
