held up towards rear, headway over 1f out, soon chasing leaders, stayed on same pace
held up mid-division, headway over 2f out, every chance over 1f out, soon weakened
held up in rear, headway over 2f out, led over 1f out, hung right and ran on well
led, pushed along over 3f out, headed over 2f out, soon weakened
tracked leaders, ridden to challenge over 2f out, soon led, headed over 1f out, stayed on well
tracked leaders, outpaced over 3f out, headway approaching final furlong, stayed on well
slowly away, held up in rear, headway over 2f out, soon no impression
mid-division, headway over 3f out, soon chasing leaders, weakened approaching final furlong
An interesting looking handicap ends racing here and SILK HALL looks set to score from Hendersyde and Hawk Mountain. The Alan King-trained selection has continued his progress over hurdles this winter and, although now 8lb higher than when last seen on the level, put in an excellent effort in defeat last time given the race wasn't really run to suit. He was only just denied at the line and a repeat should see him snatch victory here. Hendersyde is a likeable four-year-old who has not seen a great deal of action but was a winner on his reappearance and looks capable. He has won at this trip in the past but may find the selection too good for him and a runner up spot looks likely.
Buddhist Monk 7-1 (9-3) Held up, headway over 2f out, one pace final furlong, 3rd of 8, 4l behind Empowered (9-1) at Chester 1m 4f hcp 0-85 (4) gf.
Silk Hall (UAE) 11-8fav (9-10) In touch, pushed along over 4f out, ridden to lead approaching 1f out, caught post, 2nd of 6, ns behind Colonel Flay (8-10) at Nottingham 1m 6f hcp 0-85 (4) fm.
Hendersyde (USA) 3-1 (9-4) Held up 3rd, ridden and outpaced 2f out, stayed on to chase 2l leader entering final furlong, strong run close home, led post, won at Kempton 1m 4f hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Apr beating Wind Flow (8-12) by ns, 5 ran.
Eton Fable (IRE) 14-1 (9-0) Led, clear halfway, headed 2f out, stayed on same pace final furlong, 3rd of 8, 2 3/4l behind Hawk Mountain (9-1) at Doncaster 1m 7f hcp 0-85 (4) gd.
Step This Way (USA) 8-1 (9-6) Led 1f, tracked leader after, ridden over 2f out, weakened final furlong, 5th of 6, 6l behind Colonel Flay (8-10) at Nottingham 1m 6f hcp 0-85 (4) fm.
Hawk Mountain (UAE) 7-2 (9-1) Tracked leader, ridden over 2f out, led well over 1f out, ran on final furlong, won at Doncaster 1m 7f hcp 0-85 (4) gd beating Red Wine (8-8) by 1 1/4l, 8 ran.
Red Wine 5-1fav (8-13) Slowly into stride and behind, smooth headway on outer over 2f out, ran on final furlong to lead post, won at Doncaster 1m 4f app hcp 0-70 (5) gs beating Safebreaker (8-10) by shd, 16 ran.
Mista Rossa 11-2 (9-4) Chased clear winner throughout, 10 lengths down in 2nd entering straight, pushed along 3f out, never able to challenge, 2nd of 6, 9l behind Cossack Prince (8-7) at Goodwood 1m 4f hcp 0-75 (5) gf.
