set strong pace, soon 6 lengths clear, ridden over 1f out, headed inside final furlong, no extra
chased clear leader, closed 2f out, ridden to lead entering final furlong, headed inside final furlong, stayed on
close up, pushed along 2f out, weakened final furlong
awkwardly away and slow into stride and lost 4 lengths, in rear, pushed along and headway entering final furlong, ran on, went 2nd final strides
held up towards rear, pushed along and headway entering final furlong, quickened to lead inside final furlong, ran on
A couple of these return to action clear of the rest on today’s terms. Sir Busker won the Group 2 Sky Bet York Stakes over a longer trip on the Knavesmire last summer while TEMPUS did nothing but improve after being gelded and joining Archie Watson’s yard. He made a winning reappearance last year before picking up a couple of Group 3 races and may edge this. Mums Tipple beat Lord Of The Lodge at Wolverhampton before the latter scored at Southwell but Manaafith has plenty to find at the wights though continues to progress and there may be more to come back over today’s longer trip.
Larado (FR) 15-2 (8-10) Raced keenly, led until halfway, ridden and lost 2nd 2f out, weakened soon after, 5th of 6, 7 1/2l behind Zip (8-7) at Newcastle 7f hcp (2) pol in Jan.
Lord Of The Lodge (IRE) 17-2 (9-8) Made all, pushed along 2f out, ridden and ran on, won at Southwell 7f hcp (2) pol in Jan beating Tylos (8-9) by 1 1/4l, 10 ran.
Mums Tipple (IRE) 9-2 (9-5) Held up in behind leaders, chased along over 2f out, soon ridden, stayed on strongly to lead inside final furlong, won at Wolverhampton 6f stks (2) pol in Dec beating Exalted Angel (9-5) by 1/2l, 7 ran.
Sir Busker (IRE) 100-1 (9-8) Slowly away, in rear, kept on from over 1f out, went 3rd inside final furlong, no impression, 3rd of 6, 9l behind Baaeed (9-8) at York 1m 2f Grp 1 stks (1) gd in Aug.
Tempus 16-1 (9-6) In touch with leaders, ridden and weakened from over 1f out, last of 9, 9 3/4l behind Bayside Boy (9-3) at Ascot 1m Grp 1 stks (1) gs in Oct.
Manaafith (USA) 8-15fav (9-0) Close up, pushed along and headway approaching final furlong, led inside final furlong, readily, won at Southwell 7f fll stks (2) pol in Jan beating Aramis Grey (9-0) by 3/4l, 5 ran.