A small yet competitive field going to post for this mile handicap and the unexposed Rowan Rio, who has two wins from three outings in his career, looks to be on the improve and can land it. William Haggas holds an impressive strike rate with his northern raiders and Rowan Rio relished testing conditions at Ripon last time on his first attempt at twelve furlongs. His rider commited quite a way from home at Ripon so stamina is certainly one of Rowan Rio's main attributes. Expect him to be on the pace from the outset. Fregate Island is ultra consistent but takes a marked drop back in trip. The slow ground should benefit him on that score but he reserves his best form for quicker surfaces which is a cause for concern while his handicap mark leaves him with very little room for manoevre. Cotton Eyed Joe has the form in the book to be involved but was unable to cope with bottomless conditions at Haydock on his penultimate start.
Crow Wood 12-1 (10-0) Tracked leader, weakened over 3f out, 9th of 11, 13l behind Cheshire Prince (9-2) at Chester 1m 4f hcp 0-85 (4) gd.
Fregate Island (IRE) 11-4fav (9-5) Chased leading trio, ridden 3f out, stayed on inside final furlong, 3rd of 9, 4 1/2l behind Daylami Dreams (8-12) at Newmarket 1m 7f hcp 0-85 (4) gf in Jul.
Cotton Eyed Joe (IRE) 16-1 (9-0) In touch, ridden along 3f out, one pace until weakened inside final furlong, 5th of 15, 3 1/2l behind Night Hour (10-0) at Pontefract 1m 4f hcp 0-90 (3) gd.
Always Bold (IRE) 16-1 (8-11) Chased leader, pushed along 3f out, losing place when not much room over 2f out, weakened, 12th of 13, 27l behind Love Galore (9-1) at Goodwood 1m 4f 3yo hcp 0-105 (2) gf in Jul.
Mister Arjay (USA) 13-2 (9-8) Chased leader, ridden and weakened 2f out, 7th of 8, 14l behind Let It Be (8-12) at Beverley 2m hcp 0-85 (4) gs.
Risk Runner (IRE) 14-1 (9-2) Held up towards rear, ridden over 3f out, never dangerous, 10th of 11, 14l behind Cheshire Prince (9-2) at Chester 1m 4f hcp 0-85 (4) gd.
Rowan Rio 16-1 (9-7) With leaders, led over 3f out, kept on well, won at Ripon 1m 4f 3yo hcp (5) hvy in Jul beating Mezzanisi (9-7) by 1/2l, 8 ran.
Motarid (USA) 17-2 (8-5) In touch, ridden along when not much room and hampered over 2f out, headway over 1f out, no extra final furlong, 8th of 15, 7l behind Night Hour (10-0) at Pontefract 1m 4f hcp 0-90 (3) gd.
