made most, ridden over 2f out, headed just inside final furlong, weakened
towards rear, pushed along halfway, headway under pressure under 1f out, stayed on well final furlong
in touch, ridden halfway, effort over 2f out, weakened approaching final furlong
held up towards rear, headway when not clear run over 1f out, not recover
chased leaders, effort 2f out, kept on one pace final furlong
with leaders, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
close up, ridden to challenge 2f out, no extra inside final furlong
held up towards rear, pushed along over 2f out, headway over 1f out, led just inside final furlong, ran on strongly
mid-division, headway halfway, effort over 2f out, kept on final furlong
missed break, towards rear, never dangerous
with leaders to halfway
A typically open sprint handicap with a number of possibles but marginal preference is for Bodfari Pride ahead of the David Nicholls pair, Bannister and Ballybunnion, while Soba Jones looks best of the remainder. Alan Bailey's charge landed a Southwell seller in April and has put up a number of creditable performances since, including placed efforts in handicaps at Ayr and over course and distance last time. The son of Pip's Pride remains fairly treated and this consistent type should give another good account under Paul Hanagan. Bannister was a smart juvenile, winning the Group 2 Gimcrack Stakes in 2000, but has failed to add to that success since. Now a five-year-old, he's clearly had his share of problems and is a light of former glories but shaped promisingly when third in a competitive Carlisle handicap last time and rates a danger off his current mark. Ballybunion ended a long losing sequence when getting his head in front at Catterick earlier in the month but had his limitations exposed next time off a 6lb higher mark next time while previous course and distance winner Soba Jones ran well in a better company at Doncaster last time and also enters calculations despite conceding weight all round.
