behind, ridden over 2f out, no impression when not much room well over 1f out
in touch, headway to challenge 3f out, soon ridden, weakened over 1f out
with leader, led 3f out, headed 2f out, soon ridden and one pace
mid-division, headway on outside 3f out, ridden to lead 2f out, drew clear final furlong
always behind
held up, headway over 2f out, soon ridden, stayed on under pressure to chase winner well inside final furlong, no impression
chased leaders, ridden to challenge and every chance over 2f out, kept on same pace, lost 2nd well inside final furlong
tracked leaders, ridden to challenge and every chance over 2f out, kept on same pace final furlong
towards rear, headway over 2f out, edged right well over 1f out, ridden and kept on final furlong, never troubled leaders
chased leaders, lost place over 3f out, soon behind
led, headed 3f out, soon outpaced, weakening when not much room well over 1f out
This looks a slightly easier assignment for PEGASUS LAD than he's had recently and he is just the selection in tight handicap ahead of Northern Flyer and Royal Premium. Thought good enough for listed company as a two-year-old the pick couldn't live up to those heights but still put in some good looking performances in better company. It's taken a while for Mark Johnston's charge to come to hand as a three-year-old but with the last couple of efforts suggesting he is back near his best he should come out on top here off a competitive mark. Northern Flyer has been on top form for some time and with an red-hot apprentice taking seven pounds off his load he could be ready to win again with the conditions no problem. Royal Premium is racing off a career high mark but ran credibly when a pound better off in a big field handicap last time and with the softer conditions also likely to benefit he should be in the mix once more. Trumpstoo now looks to be racing off a more realistic rating so would also be one for the shortlist but if Pegasus Lad is back to his best he should take all the beating.
Trumpstoo (USA) 15-2 (9-7) In touch, pushed along 3f out, kept on one pace to take modest 3rd well inside final furlong, 3rd of 8, 8l behind Flying Silks (8-11) at Pontefract 1m 3yo hcp 0-75 (5) gd.
Bessie Lou (IRE) 6-1 (9-7) Tracked leaders, ridden over 3f out, weakened over 1f out, 7th of 13, 12l behind Vita Mia (8-8) at Chester 1m 2f 3yo hcp 0-75 (5) gd.
Pegasus Lad (USA) 4-1 (9-0) Tracked leader, led over 6f out, ridden 2f out, headed entering final furlong, kept on same pace, 3rd of 7, 2 1/4l behind Surprise Party (9-9) at Sandown 1m 3yo hcp 0-80 (4) gd.
Lakeman (IRE) 16-1 (8-13) Well in rear, pushed along halfway, kept on inside final furlong, never a factor, 5th of 8, 8l behind Elusive Fame (9-1) at Southwell 7f 3yo hcp 0-80 (4) fbs.
Viva La Vida 20-1 (9-3) Always in rear, last of 9, 31l behind Surprise Party (9-1) at Yarmouth 1m 3yo fll hcp 0-75 (5) gd.
Northern Flyer (GER) 7-2fav (8-13) Slowly into stride, held up, headway under pressure on outside over 1f out, kept on to take 3rd inside final furlong, 3rd of 10, 6l behind Mister Tinktastic (9-4) at Pontefract 6f 3yo hcp 0-75 (5) gd.
Captain Flasheart (IRE) 15-2 (8-5) Slowly into stride, in rear, weakened over 2f out, 8th of 10, 18l behind Secret Hero (8-11) at Lingfield 7f 3yo hcp 0-75 (5) gd.
Royal Premium 11-2 (8-9) Led, ridden over 1f out, stayed on until headed and no extra towards finish, 4th of 17, 1/2l behind Tropical Duke (8-5) at Redcar 1m 3yo hcp 0-60 (6) gf.
Pokfulham (IRE) 14-1 (8-0) Led, already ridden and headed when rider dropped rein over 2f out, and soon weakened, 5th of 6, 11l behind My Learned Friend (9-13) at Brighton 7f hcp 0-75 (5) fm in Jul.
Clumber Place 50-1 (8-6) Held up in touch, lost place over 3f out, last of 6, 27l behind Polly's Mark (9-7) at Nottingham 1m 2f 3yo fll hcp 0-80 (4) gd in May.
Trade Price (GR) 11-1 (8-7) Held up, ridden and headway to go 3rd over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong, 5th of 6, 6l behind Igoyougo (9-1) at Ayr 5f 3yo hcp 0-65 (6) gf.
