with leaders, led halfway, ridden over 1f out, soon under pressure, hard ridden inside final furlong, kept on gamely, just held on
in touch, headway over 2f out to chase leaders, ridden over 1f out, every chance inside final furlong, kept on, just held near finish
led narrowly, headed halfway, ridden over 1f out, one pace entering final furlong
close up, ridden 2f out, hung left over 1f out, one pace final furlong
in touch, in rear, ridden over 1f out, faded final furlong
A good race despite the small field and one where TAGSEED can win for William Haggas, with Malcheek and Aldermoor to chase him home. Newmarket-based Haggas has a 25 per cent strike rate at this venue in recent seasons and he has placed Tagseed to win two of his four races to date, so the Elusive City colt comes here chasing a hat-trick. This trip and ground will suit and he looks progressive enough to defy a 6lb rise and win again. Malcheek is well suited by the forecast conditions and distance here, and with just 1lb more to shoulder than when enjoying his most recent win on Wolverhampton's Polytrack he can go very well for an in-form yard. Aldermoor showed signs of a return to form at Goodwood last month and is back on the same mark as when winning over this trip at Newmarket last season. The stable's runners are not going as well as they can at the moment, but if there is market support for him then he should be taken very seriously. Joseph Henry and Just Sam are weighted up to the hilt for now and Tagseed is the one for us.
Tagseed (IRE) 15-8fav (9-4) Made most, ridden over 1f out, ran on final furlong, won at Newcastle 7f hcp 0-80 (4) gf in May beating Major Phil (9-0) by 1l, 10 ran.
Aldermoor (USA) 25-1 (8-13) Chased leaders, hard ridden to lead over 1f out, headed inside final furlong, no extra, 4th of 9, 4 1/2l behind Moynahan (9-1) at Goodwood 1m hcp 0-90 (3) gd in May.
Joseph Henry 33-1 (8-12) Chased leaders, disputing lead and every chance 1f out, stayed on same pace inside final furlong, 4th of 18, 2 1/2l behind Baby Strange (9-4) at Doncaster 6f hcp 0-95 (3) gd.
Malcheek (IRE) 14-1 (8-11) Rider late removing blindflod and slowly away, in rear, effort 2f out, weakened inside final furlong, last of 9, 9l behind Hajoum (9-2) at Catterick 7f hcp 0-90 (3) gf in May.
Just Sam (IRE) 18-1 (8-13) Raced stand side, in touch, weakened well over 1f out, eased, 13th of 14, 17l behind Cornus (8-7) at Thirsk 6f hcp 0-85 (4) gd.