led, headed just inside 2f out, weakened 1f out
chased leader for over 4f, ridden and weakened well over 1f out
in touch, ridden over 2f out, one pace and no impression final furlong
always prominent, led just inside 2f out, soon hung badly left, headed 1f out, one pace
took keen hold, held up towards rear, headway 3f out, led 1f out, driven out
steadied start, took keen hold in rear, headway under pressure 2f out, hard ridden and every chance just inside final furlong, not quicken close home
held up, headway over 2f out, hung left and one pace from over 1f out
held up in rear, pushed along and weakened 2f out
held up in touch, pushed along 4f out, soon struggling
This is a tricky handicap and Play Master is a far-from-confident choice, with Have Faith, Taaqaah and Doctorate among others to seriously consider. The selection could be interesting off a mark of just 71 as the form of his Windsor win in April looks better now than it did then. If cheekpieces can also bring about improvement then it will be no surprise to see him go well. Barathea Dreams is now 12 pounds higher in the ratings than when winning at Sandown on good to soft in April and might be better off at today's mile trip as he pulled too hard at York over 10 furlongs last time. The lightly-raced Have Faith has ability and should improve as a consequence of her seasonal return at Ripon. The form of Doctorate's races is working out well and he should be improving and gets a strong shout here. Red Spell has the physical scope to keep on improving and Another Bottle looked progressive when scoring at Ayr last time but this represents a tougher assignment. Taaqaah was a costly disappointment in a Thirsk maiden last time but, with the winner having gone on to score in handicap company from a mark of 82, the handicapper might have taken a chance in allotting him a rating of 78. Mr Jack Daniells is closely weighted with Red Spell on April Newmarket form, while much as Scientist ran well on his handicap debut over seven here last time, he still seems to have a little to find to score today. Once again, then, the selection is Play Master.
