chased winner, ridden 2f out, one pace inside final furlong
pulled hard, held up, ridden over 2f out, weakened approaching final furlong
in touch, ridden 2f out, weakened 1f out
slowly into stride in rear, headway over 3f out, ridden over 2f out, weakened final furlong
held up in rear, ridden 2f out, kept on, never dangerous
made all, set steady pace, quickened 2f out, ridden and ran on final furlong
slowly away, in rear, improved on outer from over 3f out, close up over 1f out, ridden and stayed on final furlong
close up, ridden 2f out, chased winner entering final furlong, soon no impression
Taken is potentially well treated and may be able to land this open handicap but Dawn Sky, McConnell and Hawaass are all of interest. The selection has been freshened up by a short break and resumes from the same mark as when beaten a nose by William Blake at Lingfield. He may not be the most straightforward but that was a creditable performance and a repeat may well suffice tonight. McConnell disappointed last time but may be worth another chance here, particularly if the vibes are positive, as he has plenty of ability. Folio isn't without claims and has slipped to a fair mark but he was well held last time and has yet to show his best at this track whilst Quince is probably high enough in the weights for now. Dawn Sky has his first run for a new yard and is tried in blinkers but both he and Kestrel Cross are best watched unless the market speaks in their favour. Hawaass had some useful sorts behind him when winning at Sandown last autumn but he's been off the track for a long time and Mark Johnston hasn't enjoyed the best of months so a watching brief is, once again, advised. A few of these look capable of winning this race but we'll take a chance with Taken.
Dawn Sky 11-4 (9-3) Always prominent, chased winner over 2f out, stayed on inside final furlong, 2nd of 8, 1 1/2l behind Sir Duke (8-5) at W'hampton 1m 4f hcp 0-85 (4) pol in May.
Kestrel Cross (IRE) 10-1 (9-7) In touch, bumped over 2f out, soon beaten, 10th of 11, 12l behind Twilight Star (9-0) at Sandown 1m hcap (3) gs.
Quince (IRE) 14-1 (9-7) Tracked leaders, ridden to chase leader over 1f out, driven to lead inside final furlong, ran on, won at Leicester 1m 2f hcp 0-75 (5) gf beating Top Seed (8-11) by 1 1/2l, 9 ran.
Folio (IRE) 20-1 (9-9) Always in rear, never a factor, 12th of 14, 19l behind Crete (9-3) at Sandown 1m 2f hcp 0-85 (4) gd.
Zaif (IRE) 13-2 (9-8) Mid-division, headway to chase leader 2f out, kept on final furlong, 4th of 8, 5l behind Ross Moor (8-7) at Sandown 1m 2f hcap (4) gs.
Hawaass (USA) 12-1 (9-3) In touch, ridden to chase leaders over 1f out, pressed leader inside final furlong, driven to lead post, won at Sandown 1m 2yo mdn (4) gf in Sept beating Yaddree (9-3) by a shd, 9 ran.
Ross Moor 7-1 (8-10) Started slowly, always in rear, 11th of 14, 16l behind Crete (9-3) at Sandown 1m 2f hcp 0-85 (4) gd.
Taken (IRE) 7-2 (8-11) Close up on inside, ridden to chase winner entering final furlong, driven to lead briefly, soon hung right, kept on, 2nd of 7, shd behind William Blake (8-13) at Lingfield 1m 2f 3yo hcp (4) pol in Mar.
McConnell (USA) 11-4 (9-6) Tracked leaders, ridden 3f out, one pace final furlong, 5th of 9, 7l behind Goodwood Starlight (9-6) at Goodwood 1m 2f 3yo hcp (4) gd.
