took keen hold behind leaders, ridden over 2f out, weakened final furlong
behind, ridden over 2f out, headway over 1f out, stayed on final furlong
prominent, ridden over 2f out, one pace until weakened inside final furlong
made all, led steady pace, quickened over 3f out, driven over 1f out, kept on final furlong
towards rear, headway on inner 2f out, driven and one pace final furlong
prominent, pushed along over 3f out, ridden when weakening over 1f out
held up, ridden when outpaced over 2f out, headway over 1f out, edged left and one pace final furlong
Nonrunner
Gala Sunday has taken advantage of a lenient handicap mark to win his last two starts and is taken to make it three on the bounce at the main expense of Vicious Warrior and Cripsey Brook. The last mentioned has been tried over a variety of trips of late but is back over his right distance now so has to be considered off what looks to be a fair mark. Sforzando could probably do with some help from the handicapper, while Edas has given little cause for optimism this term. Ransom Strip is lightly raced and represents the in-form yard of Mark Johnston so has to be respected along with the capable and consistent Vicious Warrior. Gala Sunday receives plenty of weight from the last mentioned though and Mick Easterby's gelding is taken to score again.
Vicious Warrior 8-1 (9-5) Prominent, ridden over 2f out, every chance approaching final furlong, edged right, kept on, 2nd of 8, 3l behind Nelsons Column (8-9) at Ripon 1m 2f hcp 0-85 (4) gf.
Cripsey Brook 10-1 (8-12) Held up, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 7th of 9, 5l behind Best Prospect (9-9) at Newmarket 1m 4f hcp 0-90 (3) gf.
Edas 28-1 (9-11) Prominent, pushed along over 3f out, ridden when weakening final furlong, 6th of 7, 5l behind Our Teddy (9-12) at Beverley 1m 2f hcp 0-75 (5) frm.
Highest Regard 50-1 (9-1) Held up towards rear, ridden and weakened inside final 3f, last of 11, 26l behind Acrobatic (8-10) at Kempton 1m 2f hcp 0-90 (3) pol.
Planters Punch (IRE) 14-1 (9-0) Held up behind, effort over 3f out, never dangerous, 6th of 13, 18l behind Platinum Charmer (8-1) at Musselburgh 1m 4f hcp 0-70 (5) gd in Nov.
Gala Sunday (USA) 11-4fav (10-10) Held up, headway over 2f out, ridden over 1f out, ran on final furlong to lead post, won at Beverley 1m 2f ldy rds hcp (6) gf beating Parchment (9-10) by a shd, 14 ran.
Ransom Strip (USA) 16-1 (8-4) Chased leader, ridden 3f out, not much room 2f out, never dangerous, 7th of 9, 10l behind Active Asset (9-10) at Newcastle 1m 2f hcp 0-85 (4) gf.
Sforzando 16-1 (8-2) Slowly into stride and behind, driven over 2f out, stayed on towards finish, 5th of 8, 3 1/2l behind Mount Usher (8-7) at Newcastle 1m 2f hcp 0-75 (5) gf in Jun.