Fangorn Forest would have claims on the form shown when successful at Warwick earlier this month but has disappointed off his new mark under testing conditions since and preference is for The History Man, who gets the vote ahead of Hill Spirit. The last mentioned has threatened to win races and caught the eye in defeat at Newmarket last time but today's softer ground is an unknown quantity and David Elsworth's colt may be best watched. Tim Easterby's Viva Volta handled cut in the ground perfectly well when winning at Beverley last month and should appreciate the return to a softer surface having failed to run up to his Beverley form at Newcastle on fast ground subsequently. A market move for Local Fancy would be of interest, while Jack Reacher is less exposed than his rivals and could be anything after just the three starts to qualify him for a handicap mark. The vote though goes to The History Man, who handles plenty of cut in the ground and comes from the Mick Easterby yard that is in good form.
Hill Spirit 9-2 (9-3) Held up, headway 2f out, ridden to lead over 1f out, headed inside final furlong, stayed on, 3rd of 11, 1l behind Supaseus (9-3) at Newmarket 1m 3yo mdn (5) gd.
Local Fancy 33-1 (8-11) Slowly into stride, held up in rear, headway towards stand's rail over 1f out, stayed on inside final furlong, 5th of 16, 6l behind Red Evie (9-3) at Newbury 7f 3yo fll hcp (4) sft.
The History Man (IRE) 10-1 (8-11) Tracked leaders, ridden and outpaced over 2f out, kept on final furlong, 4th of 9, 3l behind Imperial Sword (8-11) at Hamilton 6f 3yo hcp (4) gd.
Dune Melody (IRE) 100-1 (8-9) Slowly into stride, held up in rear, stayed on inside final furlong, no danger, 9th of 16, 7l behind Red Evie (9-3) at Newbury 7f 3yo fll hcp (4) sft.
Fangorn Forest (IRE) 14-1 (8-1) Never nearer than finishing position, 11th of 16, 13l behind Red Evie (9-3) at Newbury 7f 3yo fll hcp (4) sft.
The Osteopath (IRE) 33-1 (8-11) Slowly into stride and behind, headway over 2f out, ridden and stayed on final furlong, nearest finish, 3rd of 13, 2 1/2l behind Heaven Knows (9-4) at Thirsk 1m 3yo hcp (4) hvy.
Jack Reacher 5-1 (9-0) With leaders until weakened over 1f out, 10th of 12, 11l behind Obe Brave (9-0) at York 6f 2yo mdn (4) gd in Oct.
Viva Volta 7-1 (9-3) Mid-division, ridden and headway over 2f out, one pace and no impression final furlong, 6th of 16, 10l behind European Dream (9-2) at Newcastle 1m 3yo hcp (5) gf.
