held up, ridden over 2f out, no impression
tracked leader, ridden over 4f out, kept on under pressure until weakened inside final furlong
made all, ridden over 2f out, kept on well final furlong
tracked leader, ridden over 2f out, weakened final furlong
A tight affair on paper can go to Alfonso who can make the most of the weight that he receives from his three rivals including Mister Arjay. Alfonso really came to himself last month, battling home in determined fashion at Ayr before following up over hurdles at Kelso. A creditable second at Cartmel on his latest start despite the ground being a bit easier than he would have liked, he remains in good heart for this return to the level, and in receipt of weight all round, can gain further success. Mister Arjay had nothing left in hand when scoring over today's distance at Redcar under P J McDonald who rode him from the front that day. A rise in the weights makes his task that bit tougher, while Stretton has to shoulder topweight on the back of a narrow win at Chester where he had the plumb draw. Oddsmaker made a bold bid to try and make all on his last visit, doing well to finish third considering that he had turned out at Haydock just four days earlier, so he cannot be totally ruled out here either. Only a small vote therefore goes to Alfonso.
Stretton (IRE) 11-2 (8-12) In touch, ridden to lead 1f out, ran on, won at Chester 1m 4f hcp 0-85 (4) gd in May beating Augustus John (8-6) by a nk, 12 ran.
Mister Arjay (USA) 9-2 (9-2) Made all, ridden along 2f out, driven and kept on gamely final furlong, won at Redcar 1m 6f hcp 0-75 (5) gf in May beating Karlani (8-12) by a nk, 5 ran.
Oddsmaker (IRE) 9-1 (8-9) Dwelt and towards rear, headway to go prominent over 6f out, ridden over 2f out, one pace final furlong, 6th of 14, 3 1/2l behind Choristar (8-6) at Beverley 1m 2f hcap (5) gf in Apr.
Alfonso 16-1 (8-7) Led and keen, headed inside final furlong, rallied, led again post, won at Ayr 1m 5f hcp 0-75 (5) gd in May beating Danzatrice (7-13) by a shd, 8 ran.
