mid-division, pushed along halfway, soon ridden, hampered when no impression final furlong
prominent and keen, lost place over 3f out
close up, shaken up over 2f out, led over 1f out, edged left, headed close home
towards rear, ridden over 3f out, hampered and switched right entering final furlong, never dangerous
held up, ridden and outpaced over 2f out, stayed on inside final furlong, no impression
in touch, ridden over 1f out, carried wide entering final furlong, one pace
chased leaders, ridden over 1f out, stayed on final furlong
led and keen, ridden over 2f out, headed over 1f out, faded inside final furlong
tracked leaders and keen, ridden 2f out, kept on inside final furlong
Stamford Blue, Stonecrabstomorrow and Balakiref are shortlisted in this handicap and Stamford Blue is put forward as the one to beat. The selection scored last time despite his saddle slipping so he was good value for his winning margin. He should handle the ground and although he is pretty exposed, there is no denying that he is right on top of his game at present. Stonecrabstomorrow wasn't beaten far when third behind Turnkey in a handicap at Pontefract last time and a reproduction of that effort should see him competitive today. Balakiref will relish these conditions so that could signal a return to form for him. Imperial Sword will probably need the run having been off the track since last August, and we will take Stamford Blue to land this prize.
Stamford Blue 11-2 (9-8) Made all, ridden and saddle slipped approaching 1f out, stayed on, won at Warwick 6f hcap (4) gd beating China Cherub (10-1) by 3/4l, 7 ran.
Imperial Sword 7-2 (8-11) Led, headed over 4f out, ridden, weakened 2f out, 7th of 10, 6l behind Dizzy Dreamer (9-2) at Leicester 6f 3yo hcp (3) gs in Aug.
Balakiref 7-2 (9-6) In touch, shaken up and effort over 2f out, never troubled leaders, 6th of 9, 5l behind Paris Bell (8-13) at Warwick 6f hcp 0-85 (4) sft in Jun.
Stonecrabstomorrow (IRE) 10-1 (8-9) Towards rear, ridden and headway over 1f out, stayed on well final furlong, 3rd of 12, 1 1/2l behind Turnkey (9-6) at Pontefract 6f hcap (3) gd.
Jilly Why (IRE) 7-1 (9-0) In touch and led after 1f, driven and headed over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong, 5th of 10, 8l behind Misphire (9-11) at Haydock 6f fll hcp (5) hvy in Jun.
Katie Boo (IRE) 7-2jt-fav (9-0) Prominent, ridden over 2f out, kept on final furlong to lead close home, won at Hamilton 5f hcp 0-75 (5) sft beating Joyeaux (8-12) by a nk, 8 ran.
Miacarla 15-2 (8-7) Chased leaders, ridden well over 1f out, led inside final furlong, soon headed, no extra, 3rd of 13, 1 1/2l behind Dark Champion (8-6) at Catterick 5f hcp 0-70 (5) gs.
Middleton Grey 16-1 (8-10) Started slowly, always in rear group, never a factor, 9th of 14, 7l behind Bomber Command (8-4) at Kempton 7f hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Nov.