held up in touch, ridden over 2f out, weakened 1f out
always towards rear
slowly into stride, soon in touch, ridden and outpaced 3f out, stayed on well final furlong
always towards rear
tracked leaders, ridden 2f out, kept on same pace
held up in touch, headway 2f out, ridden to lead inside final furlong, stayed on well
led, ridden and headed 2f out, every chance 1f out, weakened
held up behind, steady headway from 2f out, ridden over 1f out, no impression final furlong
In what looks like a competitive handicap, we take Wiggy Smith to confirm the promise he showed on his reappearance, with Nawow and Bahrqueen the best alternatives. Henry Candy's gelding comes here on the back of a promising run at Haydock on his reappearance, when he did not get the best of runs but finished well when fourth to Kuster in an apprentice handicap at Haydock. He has a big chance on that form, any rain would help his chances, and with Dane O'Neill taking over in the saddle he is fancied to land this. Nawow finished a fine third in a very competitive three-year-old handicap over this course and distance in May. He was below his best at Goodwood last time when he forced the pace, but has had a seven week break since and conditions should suit him here. Bahrqueen is yet to run a bad race and will be hard to keep out of the frame again. Invitation would relish any rain, while Optimaite is very well handicapped now and capable on his day, but is not the most of reliable of characters. A difficult race for punters, then, but Wiggy Smith just gets the vote.