raced stands side, tracked leader, ridden over 2f out, led overall over 1f out, driven out
raced center, mid-division, headway to have every chance 2f out, weakened inside final furlong
raced center, with leader until ridden and weakened quickly 2f out
raced center, held up, headway 2f out, stayed on to go 3rd inside final furlong
raced center, chased leaders, ridden and weakened over 1f out
raced center, chased leaders, ridden and weakened over 2f out, hung right over 1f out
raced stands side, overall leader, ridden 2f out, headed over 1f out, kept on same pace
led center group until 2f out, weakened 1f out
raced center, tracked leaders, led that group 2f out, ridden and every chance 1f out, unable to quicken near finish
raced center, mid-division, effort 2f out, weakened 1f out
raced center, headway over 1f out, ridden and kept on same pace final furlong
tracked leading pair stands side, ridden over 2f out, kept on one pace
raced center, in rear, outpaced halfway
Another competitive handicap but with many of the form horses running well over five it should pay to stick with DAMIKA who can get the better of Ishetoo and Hotham. Richard Whitaker's string are in fine fettle at present holding a 23% strike rate and Damika may be up to defying his four lbs penalty for winning at Thirsk 12 days ago. I like the form of that last race and with Michael Stainton easing his burden he may be able to make the best of his decent draw and just last home. Ishetoo is a horse I have been following in recent weeks as I think he is ready to strike soon. He is certainly handicapped to win a race of this nature. This looks to be his easiest assignment to date and the step up in trip may be needed now at this stage in his career. He has been disappointing of late and hasn't raced with his usual zest but Ollie Pears has now reached for the blinkers so a market check is strongly advised. Kieron Fallon is an interesting booking on Hotham. His form hasn't been great of late but Fallon could well work the oracle here so beware. Mullglen and Noodles Blue Boy are recent winners but may be vulnerable over this trip. Bond City and Sunrise Safari are others to note but Damika is the selection.
Damika (IRE) 11-2 (9-0) Tracked leaders, challenged 2f out, ridden to lead well over 1f out, stayed on under pressure final furlong, held on near finish, won at Thirsk 6f hcp 0-90 (3) gf beating Doctor Parkes (9-1) by 1/2l, 10 ran.
Ishetoo 8-1 (8-7) Towards rear, ridden halfway, never a factor, 11th of 16, 8l behind Johannes (9-3) at York 5f hcp 0-100 (2) gf.
Bond City (IRE) 50-1 (8-13) Tracked leader far side group, led farside group and overall leader 1f out, kept on well, won at Ripon 6f hcp 0-85 (4) gd in Apr beating Esprit De Midas (9-4) by 1/2l, 16 ran.
Hotham 10-1 (8-13) Mid-division, hard ridden to challenge over 2f out, soon no impression, 11th of 15, 7l behind Tabaret (8-11) at Doncaster 6f hcp 0-90 (3) gf.
Hamoody (USA) 25-1 (8-5) Chased leaders, ridden halfway, held when hampered over 1f out, 9th of 16, 7l behind Johannes (9-3) at York 5f hcp 0-100 (2) gf.
Sunrise Safari (IRE) 13-2 (8-3) Tracked leaders, ridden over 1f out, faded inside final furlong, 6th of 13, 7l behind Ingleby Lady (8-8) at York 6f hcp 0-105 (2) gf.
Master Rooney (IRE) 5-1 (8-4) With leaders, led after 1f, headed 2f out, weakened final furlong, 6th of 9, 6l behind Buachaill Dona (9-1) at Newcastle 5f hcp 0-105 (2) gf in Apr.
Red Cape (FR) 17-2 (9-3) Led, ridden and headed well over 1f out, stayed on same pace under pressure final furlong, 5th of 10, 5l behind Damika (9-0) at Thirsk 6f hcp 0-90 (3) gf.
Noodles Blue Boy 15-2 (9-3) In touch, ridden over 1f out, stayed on to lead towards finish, won at Beverley 5f hcp 0-75 (5) gf beating Sir Geoffrey (9-1) by 1l, 15 ran.
Ursula (IRE) 13-2 (9-3) Held up in touch, ridden to challenge over 2f out, stayed on same pace final furlong, 7th of 12, 3 1/2l behind Earlsmedic (9-3) at Kempton 6f hcp 0-80 (4) pol in Nov.
Leonid Glow 15-2 (9-1) Raced stands side, towards rear, not clear run until switched left over 1f out, ran on inside final furlong, not reach winner, 2nd of 18, 1 1/4l behind Tubby Isaacs (8-9) at Doncaster 6f hcp 0-80 (4) gf.
Mullglen 9-2 (8-11) Tracked leaders, headway over 1f out, ridden to lead inside final furlong, held on towards finish, won at Thirsk 5f hcp 0-80 (4) gd beating Lucky Art (8-6) by nk, 11 ran.
Onceaponatime (IRE) 25-1 (8-13) Slowly into stride, behind, never a factor, 10th of 12, 10l behind Trans Sonic (8-8) at Southwell 7f hcp (0-90) (3) fbs.
