tracked leader, led over 2f out, ridden over 1f out, kept on under pressure final furlong, headed post
mid-division, ridden 2f out, weakened final furlong
mid-division, ridden over 1f out, never on terms
raced keenly, soon mid-division, hung badly right and eased over 2f out, virtually pulled up
in rear, ridden and headway over 1f out, stayed on final furlong, nearest finish
led, headed over 2f out, soon ridden and weakened, eased final furlong
in touch, ridden over 2f out, weakened approaching final furlong
tracked leaders, went 2nd over 2f out, ridden over 1f out, kept on same pace final furlong
held up mid-division, headway over 1f out, ridden and stayed on strongly inside final furlong to lead post
behind until kept on from over 1f out, never near leaders
chased leaders, effort 2f out, ridden and one pace final furlong
behind, outpaced 2f out, never on terms
San Antonio made all the running when successful at Ripon last time and has to be respected off just a 5lb higher mark today but the faster ground is of concern and a better bet may be Jim Goldie's recent Ayr winner Chin Wag, who gets the vote over Kildare Sun. The last mentioned has solid claims on recent form on the Polytrack but his form on turf does not match that so he looks best watched. Pat Haslam's River Ardeche is the less exposed of the 12 runners after just two outings and could be of interest stepping up in trip but he would need to improve on the form shown on his reappearance to take a hand. John Quinn's Boy Dancer has shown decent form in his last two starts and has to be respected off the same mark as when a close fourth behind Flying Valentino at Carlisle recently. Preference though is for Jim Goldie's Chin Wag, who has shown improved form with each start this season, latterly running out the good winner of a race at Ayr, and he is taken to defy the 5lb rise for that success.
San Antonio 8-1 (9-7) Made all, ridden 2f out, stayed on well, won at Ripon 1m hcp 0-65 (6) sft beating West End Lad (8-9) by 2l, 14 ran.
Very Well Red 14-1 (9-3) Chased leaders, ridden over 2f out and no impression over 1f out, 6th of 10, 3l behind Under Fire (8-12) at Kempton 1m hcap (6) pol in Feb.
Kildare Sun (IRE) 14-1 (8-12) Held up in rear, headway under pressure well over 1f out, ran on inside final furlong, 4th of 11, 2 1/2l behind Justcallmehandsome (8-6) at W'hampton 1m 1f hcp 0-80 (4) pol in May.
River Ardeche 18-1 (8-12) Prominent, tracked leaders halfway, soon ridden and weakened, last of 5, 14l behind Perfect Polly (8-7) at Hamilton 6f 3yo stk (3) gf in May.
Pianoforte (USA) 4-1jt-fav (9-3) Held up towards rear, headway on inside 2f out, led entering final furlong, ridden and stayed on well, won at Hamilton 1m sll (6) gf beating March Mate (8-9) by 3/4l, 12 ran.
Provost 18-1 (9-2) Mid-division, effort over 2f out, no impression, 10th of 13, 8l behind Shotley Mac (8-11) at Beverley 7f hcp 0-70 (5) gf.
Chin Wag (IRE) 3-1 (9-0) Chased leaders, led over 1f out, stayed on well, driven out, won at Ayr 1m hcp (6) gf beating Ensign's Trick (8-13) by 2l, 14 ran.
Myfrenchconnection (IRE) 7-1 (8-8) Towards rear, ridden along halfway, some late headway, never troubled leaders, 7th of 13, 6l behind Shotley Mac (8-11) at Beverley 7f hcp 0-70 (5) gf.
Aussie Blue (IRE) 9-1 (9-4) Held up in rear, headway 2f out, one pace final furlong, 5th of 8, 4 1/2l behind Ezdeyaad (9-13) at Redcar 1m hcp 0-75 (5) frm.
Boy Dancer (IRE) 5-1 (8-10) Held up towards rear, headway 2f out, stayed on towards finish, 4th of 13, 1/2l behind Flying Valentino (9-1) at Carlisle 1m hcp 0-70 (5) gf.
Thanxforthat (USA) 16-1 (9-2) Led, ridden over 2f out, headed over 1f out, weakened final furlong, 8th of 16, 9l behind Metal Madness (8-12) at Thirsk 1m 3yo hcp (6) gd in May.
Super King 40-1 (8-11) Mid-division, ridden halfway, never troubled leaders, 8th of 11, 26l behind Dispol Foxtrot (8-6) at Southwell 1m banded stk (7) fbs in Dec '05.
