in rear, headway over 7f out, soon pushed along, ridden and one pace final 2f
tracked leaders, pushed along to lead over 3f out, ridden and kept on bravely final 2f
towards rear, headway over 5f out, effort and no extra final 2f
led, pushed along and headed over 7f out, soon beaten
mid-division, pushed along over 4f out, ridden and stayed on same pace final 2f
mid-division, headway over 3f out, ridden 2f out, one pace final furlong
took keen hold behind leaders, effort over 2f out, stayed on final furlong, no chance with winner
mid-division, not much room and hampered after 4f, pushed along over 4f out, soon beaten
in touch, chased along over 4f out, soon outpaced
The booking of Kevin Darley for Academy catches the eye, and Andy Turnell's gelding can gain an eighth career win. Altitude Dancer and Kahyasi Princess might give him most to do. Raised three pounds to a mark of 56 for a narrow defeat at Catterick last time, he has won from 55 and might just be able to control things here. Kahyasi Princess has won two of her last three races, and is now seven pounds higher than for the last of them. A good third off today's mark at Chester last time suggested she can still be competitive tonight. Sports Express has finished runner-up in no less than five of his last seven runs and a place is maybe the best that can be hoped for again. Mary Reveley's I Got Rhythm is only four pounds better off for the seven lengths he finished behind Academy last time, although that was his first run of the current campaign and might improve for it. Court One left previous form behind when second to Opportune at Warwick last time, a repeat of which could see him competitive. Anniversary Guest is held on Catterick form last October with the selection, so needs to find a length or two. Much as she's lightly-raced and well-bred, her overall form is very modest. Altitude Dancer is also lightly raced and followed a win from a mark of 46 at Redcar with a fair effort behind One Off at Haydock. The step up to two miles might bring about further improvement for this son of Sadler's Wells. Delham was behind him at Haydock but is five pounds better off for the six lengths that separated them that day. Change Of Image steps up in trip but it isn't guaranteed to suit, while Blue Water also has a length or two to find on Haydock form with Altitude Dancer. Overall, then, Academy can gain the award.
