tracked leaders, every chance 3f out, ridden and soon weakened
tracked leaders, ridden over 3f out, kept on one pace
prominent, ridden and every chance 3f out, gradually weakened
tracked leader, ridden over 2f out, soon led, driven out
held up, ridden over 3f out, good headway inside final furlong
held up towards rear, ridden over 3f out, some late headway
held up, ridden over 3f out, kept on from over 1f out
in touch, ridden over 3f out, soon one pace
led, ridden over 3f out, soon headed and weakened
This moderate contest can go the way of Beck over Mangano, Optical Illusion and Countess Majella to name but a few. A pin would come in handy here in the absence of any worthwhile recent form, and we shall nominate Beck to the smallest of stakes only. Mark Brisbourne's charge is still a maiden from eight starts but was beaten less than three-lengths when fifth to Kirkby's Treasure at Redcar 18-days ago, and is slipping gradually down the weights. He should reach a winning mark soon, and it could be today in such a poor event. Mangano was successful here the time before last, but that was on soft ground and his stable is now reaching the end of its purple patch. Optical Illusion needs some respite from the handicapper, and Countess Majella needs more time, but at least is relatively unexposed. Give this a wide berth if you can, but for the needy and the greedy, the selection is Beck.
Optical Illusion (USA) 7-2 (9-1) Held up in rear, ridden well over 2f out, kept on from over 1f out, 5th of 6, 6l behind Deadline (9-1) at Newcastle 1m 1f mdn 0-70 (5) gf.
Wilmington 20-1 (9-3) Slowly into stride, soon switched left, in rear, some headway 4f out, ridden over 3f out, soon struggling, 12th of 13, 15l behind Muncaster Castle (8-6) at W'hampton 1m 1f 3yo hcp (6) pol in Mar.
Distant Pleasure 14-1 (9-1) Mid-division, effort over 2f out, soon beaten, 9th of 10, 9l behind Monkey Glas (9-5) at Pontefract 1m 3yo hcp (5) gf.
Grand Diamond (IRE) 12-1 (8-11) Mid-division, pushed along over 2f out, ridden and effort over 1f out, no extra inside final furlong, 7th of 15, 5l behind Pitbull (8-12) at Carlisle 7f hcp 0-65 (6) gd.
Mangano 6-1 (8-9) In touch, outpaced halfway, 5th of 10, 5l behind Distant Sun (9-7) at Hamilton 6f 3yo hcp (6) gs.
Gallows Hill (USA) 14-1 (8-6) Always towards rear, 10th of 12, 19l behind Mangano (8-1) at Musselburgh 7f 3yo hcp (6) sft.
Crosby Jemma 20-1 (9-0) Prominent, ridden along 3f out, one pace final furlong, 5th of 13, 4 1/2l behind Apple Blossom (9-0) at Thirsk 7f mdn fll (4) gf.
Beck 12-1 (7-11) Prominent, challenged over 3f out, ridden and every chance over 1f out, no extra final furlong, 5th of 14, 2 1/2l behind Kirkby's Treasure (9-8) at Redcar 1m hcp 0-60 (6) gf.
Senora Lenorah 100-1 (7-11) Dwelt, always towards rear, last of 10, 22l behind Distant Sun (9-7) at Hamilton 6f 3yo hcp (6) gs.
Countess Majella (IRE) 20-1 (8-12) Towards rear, headway over 1f out, kept on, never nearer, 8th of 13, 14l behind Aajel (9-3) at Lingfield 1m 2f 3yo mdn (5) pol in Feb.