chased leaders, pushed along over 2f out, went 2nd if out, ridden and edged left inside final furlong, no impression and lost 2nd final 50 yards
started slowly and awkward, behind, headway on inside over 1f out, staying on when badly hampered on rail inside final furlong, kept on, not recover
chased leaders, ridden 2f out, no impression over 1f out
always in last trio, pushed along and struggling over 2f out
started slowly, in rear, pushed along halfway, headway on outside over 1f out, stayed on inside final furlong, never going pace to threaten leaders
chased winner, ridden over 1f out, soon lost 2nd, weakened final furlong
good speed from wide draw to cross over, soon led, ridden and ran on inside final furlong, readily
in touch, headway and slightly hampered over 1f out, disputing 2nd inside final furlong, ran on to 2nd final 50 yards, not able to reach winner
An open contest where the narrow vote goes to PERFECT BLOSSOM, while Starlight Muse and Leleyf are others with claims. The selection has won two of his last three, including an eyecatching effort when running on powerfully to win at Newcastle last month. The handicapper did not miss that though and has put him up 7lbs, but with his optimum conditions and a confident Paul Hanagan up we will stick with him. Starlight Muse may be able to build on a decent handicap debut effort at Bath last time and she will doubtless be suited by this stiff track, so she is respected, while Leleyf is on an attractive mark and has conditions to her liking, so certainly can't be ruled out. Flouncing is interesting from an in-form yard now that she has slipped in the weights, and Song Of Parkes is better than she showed at Haydock, but preference is for Perfect Blossom.
Tillys Tale 33-1 (8-3) Tracked leader, ridden 3f out, weakened 2f out, last of 7, 15l behind Monsieur Joe (9-7) at Leicester 5f 3yo hcp 0-95 (3) gf in Jun.
Starlight Muse (IRE) 12-1 (8-9) Slowly into stride, towards rear, ridden over 2f out, headway 1f out, stayed on same pace inside final furlong, 3rd of 6, 3 1/2l behind High Spice (9-0) at Bath 5f 3yo hcp 0-85 (4) fm in Jun.
Carrie's Magic 7-1 (8-12) Led, ridden over 1f out, headed and unable to quicken well inside final furlong, 2nd of 8, 3/4l behind Thrust Control (8-11) at Ayr 6f 3yo hcp 0-80 (4) gf in Jun.
Song Of Parkes 5-1 (8-11) Raced wide, prominent, led 3f out, ridden and headed over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong, 9th of 12, 9l behind Lucky Numbers (9-9) at Haydock 5f hcp 0-80 (4) gd in Jun.
Flouncing (IRE) 4-1 (9-6) Dwelt, soon mid-division, ridden halfway, chased leaders approaching final furlong, never on terms, 5th of 12, 4l behind Thalia Grace (8-5) at Leicester 6f fll hcp (5) gf.
Leleyf (IRE) 9-2 (9-7) Tracked leader, ridden to lead approaching 1f out, headed inside final furlong, kept on, 2nd of 7, 1 1/2l behind Wanchai Whisper (8-7) at Windsor 5f 3yo hcp 0-70 (5) gf in Jun.
Perfect Blossom 15-8fav (8-6) Tracked leader, led 3f out, quickened clear from 1f out, stayed on strongly, won at Newcastle 5f 3yo hcp 0-75 (5) gf in Jun beating Patch Patch (9-0) by 2 1/4l, 8 ran.
Jack Luey 25-1 (8-8) Led, ridden over 1f out, headed towards finish, no extra, 3rd of 11, 1l behind Commanche Raider (9-7) at Newcastle 5f 3yo hcp 0-75 (5) gf in Jun.