chased leaders, took closer order over 2f out, every chance over 1f out, stayed on same pace final furlong
tracked leader, led over 1f out, soon hard pressed, kept on well under pressure
tracked leader, under pressure over 2f out, soon weakened
Nonrunner
LULU THE ZULU won a Class 3 handicap at Nottingham last time and carries top weight in this lower grade race. She can confirm running with Ray Of Joy and go in again. Gran Canaria Queen has a 9lb rise to contend with having landed a double with victory at Haydock a fortnight ago while Dartrix has struggled off her current mark since scoring at Ayr last month. Silkelly is another in need of some respite from the handicapper.
Silkelly 7-1 (9-1) Tracked leaders on outer, weakened well over 1f out, 6th of 7, 8l behind Al Freej (9-12) at Wolverhampton 7f fll hcp (0-75) (3yo+) (5) pol.
Dartrix 3-1 (8-3) Behind, switched outside and headway under pressure over 2f out, soon ridden, stayed on to take 2nd inside final furlong, no impression with winner, 2nd of 8, 4 1/2l behind Hopes N Dreams (9-3) at Hamilton 6f flls hcp 0-130 (3) gd.
Gran Canaria Queen 11-10fav (8-10) Chased leaders, pushed along to lead 1f out, ran on strongly, won at Haydock 5f fll hcp (5) gd beating Beau Mistral (9-6) by 1 1/2l, 11 ran.
Star Request 16-1 (8-11) In rear, outpaced 5f out, behind over 2f out, ran on, nearest finish, 5th of 10, 11l behind Relight My Fire (9-4) at Ayr 7f 3yo app hcp 0-65 (6) gf in Jul.
Lulu The Zulu (IRE) 11-4fav (8-13) In touch, ridden and headway to chase leader over 1f out, led entering final furlong, driven and soon edged left, stayed on, won at Nottingham 6f flls hcp 0-80 (3) gs beating Big Wave (9-2) by 1l, 9 ran.
Ray of Joy 20-1 (9-3) Hampered start, in touch over 4f out, ridden and headway 2f out, kept on same pace, 4th of 9, 4l behind Lulu The Zulu (8-13) at Nottingham 6f flls hcp 0-80 (3) gs.
Dark Opal (IRE) 5-1 (9-7) Behind, ridden to chase leaders inside final 2f, kept on under pressure inside final furlong, not reach leaders, 4th of 9, 1 3/4l behind Lucky Lodge (8-10) at Newcastle 5f 3yo hcp 0-70 (5) gs.