tracked leading pair, went 2nd halfway, led over 2f out, ridden and headed over 1f out, every chance until no extra towards finish
held up, headwsay 3f out, soon ridden, led over 1f out, stayed on well
kept steady pace, shaken up and headed over 2f out, ridden and rallied approaching final furlong, no extra towards finish
tracked leader to halfway, ridden and outpaced 3f out, soon no impression, weakened and eased final furlong
Shaydreambeliever can show enough improvement to get the better of Markington and Fire Two in a close little handicap. Shaydreambeliever was successful twice last year, but did not show a great deal on either of his first two runs back. However, it was a different story at Chester nine days ago as he gave the hot favourite Stotsfold a real fright, leading until inside the final furlong, and he looks worth a crack at this longer trip, especially in receipt of weight from his principal rivals. Fire Two was well held by Magic Sting at Epsom last time and has topweight to contend with here, while Markington is going the right way but has had plenty of opportunities already. Apache Nation was fancied at Musselburgh a fortnight ago but disappointed and faces a tough task, and we are prepared to give a chance to Shaydreambeliever.
Fire Two 8-1 (8-10) Chased leaders, went 2nd over 2f out, soon ridden, no impression final 2f, 2nd of 9, 3l behind Magic Sting (9-5) at Epsom 1m 2f hcp 0-85 (4) gd.
Markington 9-4fav (9-3) Chased winner to over 4f out, ridden over 3f out, chased winner again over 1f out, kept on inside final furlong, 2nd of 5, 3 1/2l behind Keel (9-7) at Nottingham 1m 2f 3yo hcp (5) frm.
Shaydreambeliever 16-1 (8-7) Tracked leader, led over 4f out, driven 2f out, edged left and headed inside final furlong, no extra close home, 2nd of 7, 1l behind Stotsfold (9-2) at Chester 1m 2f 3yo hcp (4) gf.
Apache Nation (IRE) 4-1fav (9-7) Tracked leaders, ridden over 3f out, soon one pace, 3rd of 11, 2 1/2l behind Three Strings (8-13) at Musselburgh 1m 1f 3yo hcp (6) gd.
