made virtually all, pushed along over 1f out, clear when ridden inside final furlong, ran on well, comfortably
prominent, pushed along to chase winner 2f out, no impression entering final furlong, no extra
led early, prominent, slightly outpaced over 1f out, stayed on under pressure inside final furlong to take 2nd last stride
restless in stalls, tracked leaders, ridden well over 1f out, weakened final furlong
This should be dominated by those heading the weights, with CRIMEA taken to get the better of North Central, Artsu and Wotashirtfull. Our selection is having only his fourth start for Dandy Nicholls, a trainer as good as any at mopping up in these races, and there was plenty to like about his two-lengths second to a subsequent winner at Thirsk last time. That came in a class four handicap so this represents a sharp drop in grade and, whilst he's got to give weight away all-round, his one visit to Hamilton resorted in a success over this trip and he's taken to repeat the trick. North Central comes out best at these weights and is respected accordingly. Howard Johnson has his flat performers in good order and prior to disappointing last time his horse had been running well in handicaps, so with form over further in the bag he's a major player. Artsu did well to win over course and distance last time having been keen early on and is another with claims at the weights. Prior to that he'd finished close up behind a subsequent winner and he put to bed any concerns about fast ground with that victory 13 days ago. Wotashirtfull disappointed last time but it was in a good handicap and this drop in grade will help this consistent sprinter, although he'd be more at home were this staged at Lingfield and his best efforts on turf have come when there's been cut in the ground. Balzarine and Kristen Jane make no appeal here so in a tight contest Crimea gets the vote.
Crimea (IRE) 8-1 (10-0) In touch, chased leaders over 1f out, soon under pressure, stayed on same pace, 6th of 8, 2l behind Ryan Style (9-6) at Ayr 5f hcp 0-85 (4) gf.
Wotashirtfull (IRE) 25-1 (9-8) Raced stands side, chased leaders, effort over 2f out, hung left from over 1f out, soon lost place, 11th of 14, 7l behind Cornus (8-7) at Thirsk 6f hcp 0-85 (4) gd.
Artsu 5-4 (9-0) Tracked leader, challenged going well over 1f out, shaken up to lead just inside final furlong, soon ridden and hard pressed, held on well near finish, won at Hamilton 5f clm stks (6) gf beating Rothesay Dancer (9-0) by nk, 5 ran.
North Central (USA) 5-2 (8-9) Led, headed approaching final furlong, soon weakened, 8th of 10, 6l behind Crianza (8-9) at Redcar 6f mdn stks (5) gf.
Kristen Jane (USA) 25-1 (8-2) Awkward leaving stalls, held up in rear, struggling 2f out, never dangerous, 7th of 8, 9l behind Ya Boy Sir (8-7) at Musselburgh 5f 3yo app hcp 0-70 (5) gd.
Balzarine 66-1 (8-5) Awkward leaving stalls, soon chased leaders, ridden over 1f out, one pace final furlong, no impression, last of 5, 5l behind Artsu (9-0) at Hamilton 5f clm stks (6) gf.