held up in touch, headway over 3f out, effort 2f out, weakened final furlong
track winner, ridden over 2f out, weakened entering final furlong
made all, steady pace, quickened over 2f out, comfortably
tracked leaders, ridden to chase winner 2f out, no impression final furlong
towards rear, headway and effort over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
mid division, pushed along 3f out, headway under pressure over 1f out, kept on same pace final furlong
held up in rear, ridden 3f out, headway under pressure over 1f out, one paced final furlong
Coolbythepool can follow up his recent course and distance win and give trainer Mark Johnston yet another winner. He carries a six-pound penalty for that win but might just have more to come. He'll play the bunny in this and might prove difficult to catch. Taking the others in turn. Golden Boot lost his chance with a slow start at Chester on Saturday and had been running well before that. However, even with Kevin Darley booked, he might be vulnerable off topweight. Romil Star is said to show more at home than on the track and could have some improvement in him following a sinus operation before his Southwell win in February. Overall, though, others are preferred. Kid'Z'Play goes well here and has place claims but it is interesting to note that Mark Brisbourne's Octane - who has form with Kid'Z'Play - has been left out of this in favour of the trainer's other entry, Opportune. Opportune comes into this race in good heart, having won two of his last three races. He also won this race two years ago, admittedly from an 11lb-lower mark, and has to be given a chance. Howards Dream and Gargoyle Girl are closely-weighted on their course and distance runs here on July 11, the latter having won from today's mark on her run before that at Musselburgh. Fight The Feeling has been raised three pounds for a soft-ground Beverley win on July 3 and more will be needed. Overall, then, Coolbythepool could prove too hot to handle.
