in rear, effort over 4f out, never dangerous
led, ridden and headed over 2f out, outpaced
took keen hold in touch, went 2nd halfway, ridden over 3f out, soon beaten
slowly into stride, held up and keen, headway well over 2f out on inside, ridden to challenge over 1f out, kept on to lead towards finish
prominent, weakened over 2f out
in touch, ridden to lead over 2f out, headed towards finish, kept on
chased leaders, weakened over 1f out
Toparudi gets the vote in this tricky finale with Toshi and Boxhall making it to the shortlist. Mark Tompkins' gelding has a poor strike rate (two wins in twenty starts), however he has reached the frame in nine more of those races so he can be relied on to run his race. He stays well and whilst he would prefer some more rain, he has run well on quicker ground before and gets the nod today. Alrida's last run at York can be ignored and judged on his good second over course and distance in April, he looks a threat. Boxhall is consistent and stays well so has solid claims if the ground stays quick, whilst Toshi won well last time out but isn't guaranteed to get today's trip. Hugs Destiny and Kyber both need to return to form but both have claims on their best, however we will return to Toparudi as the selection.
Alrida (IRE) 13-2 (8-7) Chased leaders, weakened over 3f out, 15th of 17, well behind Kayf Aramis (8-9) at York 2m 2f hcp 0-80 (4) gs in May.
Boxhall (IRE) 6-1 (9-3) Led, ridden 3f out, headed over 1f out, kept on same pace final furlong, 3rd of 8, 3/4l behind Vice Admiral (8-5) at Beverley 2m hcap (5) gf in May.
Toshi (USA) 12-1 (8-10) Mid-division, headway to lead over 2f out, driven out, won at Musselburgh 1m 4f hcap (5) gf in May beating Maneki Neko (9-3) by 1 1/2l, 8 ran.
Toparudi 12-1 (9-0) Slowly into stride, held up in rear, headway over 2f out, led over 1f out, headed towards finish, no extra, 2nd of 9, 1/2l behind Rocknest Island (8-1) at Newcastle 2m hcp 0-70 (5) gs in May.
Grey Outlook 50-1 (8-3) Always towards rear, 12th of 17, 28l behind Kayf Aramis (8-9) at York 2m 2f hcp 0-80 (4) gs in May.
Hugs Destiny (IRE) 11-1 (8-9) Chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 8th of 14, 6l behind Fenners (9-2) at Newcastle 1m 4f hcap (6) gf in May.
Kyber 15-8fav (9-5) Tracked clear leader, ridden over 3f out, headway to challenge until weakened over 1f out, 6th of 9, 8l behind Singhalongtasveer (9-2) at Musselburgh 2m app hcp (6) gf in May.