chased leader, ridden to lead entering final 2f, headed approaching final furlong, kept on one pace
mid-division off the pace, pushed along 4f out, effort over 1f out, one pace final furlong
close up, headway 3f out, ridden to lead approaching final furlong, stayed on
in rear, ridden over 2f out, never near leaders
soon led, clear 4f out, ridden and headed entering final 2f, weakened final furlong
came out of stalls slowly and refused to race
chased leaders, ridden halfway, weakened over 1f out
outpaced, plenty to do 2f out, ran on final furlong, nearest finish
This looks tricky but the last time SPARK OF GENIUS raced over track and trip he finished second in a handicap with today's rival and subsequent winner Mister Green behind. Alan McCabe's charge gets a tentative vote as the likes of Commanche, Homeboy and Desert Icon have something to prove over today's longer trip. Avatar Star finished behind Claude Greenwood, who runs in the previous race, over 7f at Leicester last time but Haywain's best form in handicaps gives him a shout in this company.
Spark Of Genius 7-1 (8-12) Led until halfway, chased winner under pressure until over 1f out, 3rd and one pace final furlong, 3rd of 6, 7l behind Mata Hari Blue (9-6) at Southwell 6f fll hcp (4) fbs in May.
Haywain 9-2fav (11-0) Mid-division, headway over 2f out, ridden 1f out, kept on, 4th of 16, 5l behind Adam's Ale (10-12) at Redcar 6f Amateur Maiden Handicap (0-65) (4yo+) (6) gf in May.
Commanche 10-1 (8-11) Mid-division, headway 3f out, kept on inside final furlong, not quite able to challenge, 3rd of 10, 1l behind North Star Boy (9-7) at Windsor 6f clm stks (5) gd in May.
Homeboy (IRE) 11-4 (9-6) Steadied start, in touch in last place, effort when hung left entering final furlong, soon went 2nd, no chance with easy winner, 2nd of 4, 8l behind North Star Boy (9-10) at Lingfield 6f clm stks (6) pol in May.
Lucky Mark (IRE) 20-1 (9-6) Pressed leader until pushed along 3f out, ridden and lost 2nd 2f out, chased leaders, weakened 1f out, 8th of 13, 8l behind No Quarter (9-3) at Thirsk 7f hcp 0-60 (6) gd in May.
Desert Icon (IRE) 11-1 (8-10) Started slowly, behind, headway to chase leaders 2f out, ridden inside final furlong, soon no extra, 4th of 6, 2 3/4l behind Tango Sky (9-9) at Wolverhampton 5f clm stks 0-75 (6) pol in Apr.
Red Eight (USA) 66-1 (9-0) Close up, ridden and weakened 3f out, last of 11, 25l behind Mister Marcasite (9-0) at Nottingham 1m 3yo stk 0-70 (5) gs in May.
Avatar Star (IRE) 9-1 (9-1) Towards rear, headway on outer when hung right over 2f out, ridden to chase winner entering final furlong, kept on, 2nd of 9, 2 1/4l behind Claude Greenwood (8-5) at Leicester 7f 3yo clm (6) gd in May.
Mister Green (FR) 10-1 (9-1) In touch, ridden on inside over 1f out, no impression, 7th of 9, 4l behind Midnight Feast (9-3) at Lingfield 1m hacp 0-70 (5) pol in May.