settled on heels of leaders, driven 2f out to go second, ran on well but could not catch winner
made all, travelled strongly 2f out and quickened when asked for effort soon after, ran on well
raced in close-up fourth, chased along over 2f out, faded final furlong
in rear, ridden over 2f out, never able to land a blow
slowly away, raced in final pair, pushed along over 2f out, kept on to almost snatch third
sat outside leader, dropped to third 2f out, under pressure and kept on at one pace, well behind front two
Tomshalfbrother is by Sir Percy so it's a surprise that he has the speed for sprinting though both victories to date have been on the all-weather. VENTURA EXPRESS was making his debut for Paul Midgley when easily landing a course and distance handicap last week and a 5lb penalty shouldn't prevent a quick follow-up. Soul Seeker, formerly trained in Ireland, has yet to win though went close at Haydock on Saturday. That was over 6f and this could prove too sharp while the former France-trained Ascot Jungle is 0-14. Sheepscar Lad has won around here but is on a very long losing run as is seven-times winner Lucky Beggar.
Ventura Express 5-1 (9-3) Dwelt, tracked leaders, switched right over 1f out, ridden to lead inside final furlong, running on when hung right towards finish, won at Pontefract 5f hcp (5) gf in Apr beating Dapper Man (9-5) by 3 3/4l, 6 ran.
Soul Seeker (IRE) 3-1 (9-6) Mid-division, effort over 2f out, switched left and effort from 2f out, hung left over 1f out, went 2nd well inside final furlong, stayed on, 2nd of 8, 1/2l behind Camachess (9-3) at Haydock 6f hcp (5) gf in Apr.
Ascot Jungle (IRE) 20-1 (9-6) Keen tracked leaders, pushed along 2f out, kept on one pace, 4th of 7, 2 1/4l behind Zulu Zander (9-7) at Brighton 5f hcp (5) gf in Apr.
Tomshalfbrother 4-1 (9-4) Held up, ridden and headway approaching final furlong, driven and ran on to lead post, won at Wolverhampton 6f hcp (6) pol in Sep beating Blessed To Empress (9-3) by ns, 11 ran.
Sheepscar Lad (IRE) 6-1 (9-3) Always towards rear, last of 12, 9 1/4l behind Ustath (9-7) at Thirsk 6f hcp (6) gf in Apr.
Lucky Beggar (IRE) 7-1 (8-6) Mid-division on outside, headway over 1f out, kept on, not trouble leaders, 6th of 10, 2 1/4l behind Good Earth (9-4) at Wetherby 5f hcp (6) gd in Apr.