led, ridden over 1f out, headed inside final furlong, kept on same pace
missed break, soon recovered to track leaders, driven when hung left inside final 2f, ridden and kept on inside final furlong, no impression with front pair
raced keenly, tracked leader, led inside final furlong, kept on, ridden out towards finish
tracked leaders, driven and outpaced inside final 2f, soon ridden, kept on inside final furlong, never on terms
close up in rear, ridden over 1f out, kept on under pressure inside final furlong, never nearer
Saluti underwent wind surgery before switching yards and finishing runner-up over 7f at Doncaster last month. But he’s proven best over the latter trip and a chance is taken on the returning MUSCIKA. The later showed further progress last year and won over today’s distance at Thirsk the last time he competed in this grade. Both John Kirkup and Seen The Lyte have something to find at this level but The Armed Man could figure having scored off a similar mark over course and distance last summer. Magical Effect and Mutafarrid have recent runs under their belts though neither threatened and both drop down in distance today.
Muscika 12-1 (9-0) 3rd of 14, 1 1/4l behind Glenamoy Lad (9-3) at Newcastle 6f hcp (2) pol in Oct.
Saluti (IRE) 8-1 (9-4) 2nd of 19, 1/2l behind Right Action (9-4) at Doncaster 7f hcp (4) gf in Mar.
Seen The Lyte (IRE) 11-1 (9-4) 4th of 7, 5l behind Nuns Walk (8-13) at Hamilton 6f hcp fll (3) gs in Aug.
The Armed Man 28-1 (9-3) 4th of 19, 3 1/4l behind Captain Jameson (9-2) at York 6f hcp (4) gd in Oct.
John Kirkup 20-1 (9-7) 3rd of 14, 2l behind Buccaneers Vault (9-6) at Newcastle 6f hcp (4) pol in Oct.
Magical Effect (IRE) 9-1 (9-2) 7th of 8, 5 1/4l behind Lion Hearted (9-6) at Chelmsford City 7f hcp (4) pol in Apr.
Mutafarrid (IRE) 20-1 (9-4) 18th of 19, 8l behind Right Action (9-4) at Doncaster 7f hcp (4) gf in Mar.