in rear and outpaced, ridden and headway to go 3rd over 1f out, kept on inside final furlong
held up in touch, ridden 2f out, one pace and no impression
chased winner, ridden over 2f out, kept on inside final furlong, held towards finish
tracked leaders, pushed along over 1f out, weakened entering final furlong
made all, ridden over 1f out, kept on well, pushed out
Incredibly, given he's still capable of going close in decent handicaps, STRIKE UP THE BAND has won just once since 2006. He's clear on official ratings and a repeat of his second at Thirsk in May should see Dandy Nicholls' sprinter home and hosed in this company. Ripon winner Angelo Poliziano looks next best if running up to his mark, though Ridley Didley has been in winning form in low grade handicaps. Atlantic Cycle is not badly treated on today's terms but the remainder look up against it.
Angelo Poliziano 16-1 (9-9) Slowly into stride, held up, ridden over 2f out, always behind, last of 12, 13l behind Nomoreblondes (8-12) at York 5f app hcp 0-80 (4) gd.
Sandwith 8-1 (9-3) Always towards rear, 6th of 10, 7l behind Ridley Didley (9-7) at Musselburgh 5f hcp 0-65 (6) gd in Jun.
Strike Up The Band 16-1 (8-3) Took keen hold in touch, weakened soon after halfway, last of 16, 13l behind Captain Dunne (9-10) at Epsom Downs 5f hcp (2) gf in Jun.
Ridley Didley (IRE) 14-1 (9-7) Made all, ridden over 1f out, kept on well, won at Musselburgh 5f hcp 0-65 (6) gd in Jun beating Wicked Wilma (8-12) by 1 3/4l, 10 ran.
Atlantic Cycle (IRE) 8-1 (9-0) Close up, ridden over 1f out, soon hung left, weakened inside final furlong, 7th of 9, 5l behind Hypnosis (8-1) at Doncaster 5f flls hcp 0-80 (4) gf.
Royal Blade (IRE) 7-2fav (8-3) Led 1f, prominent, led again 2f out, soon ridden, headed and not pace of winner inside final furlong, 2nd of 7, 1l behind Liberty Ship (9-1) at Doncaster 5f app hcp (6) gd.