led, ridden over 2f out, headed inside final furlong, no extra
missed break, towards rear, never dangerous
in touch, ridden and effort 2f out, kept on one pace final furlong
tracked leaders, ridden to challenge 2f out, hard ridden to lead inside final furlong, kept on
towards rear, pushed along and headway 2f out, kept on one pace final furlong
in touch, pushed along over 2f out, ridden and effort over 1f out, weakened final furlong
mid-division, headway halfway, effort over 2f out, one pace final furlong
tracked leader, pushed along over 3f out, ridden and weakened over 2f out
Not a hugely competitive mile handicap and one where Penny Cross can defy a 6lb penalty for her recent Carlisle win and score under top weight. Flighty Fellow and Welcome Stranger can provide the main opposition. The Mark Johnston-trained selection steps up in trip here having not gone further than 7f before, but the way she won at Carlisle suggests that there was plenty more to come and she may be up to adding to her tally here. Flighty Fellow is back up a couple of pounds after a tremendous effort in defeat, when second to Nevada Desert at Beverley last time over this trip. Tim Easterby's gelding has won off 1lb below this current mark and so can put up a bold bid once again here. Welcome Stranger is one on the upgrade and will need to keep improving to win here. His form has not escaped the handicapper's notice though, having been raised 15lb for two recent wins. However, he loves both trip and going and can again go very well here, though the weight may just find him out. Marfooq is one bred to have ability, but has proved disappointing so far and expensive to follow and so we will side with Penny Cross.
