chased leaders, with leader halfway, ridden to lead well over 1f out, kept on well
led, ridden and headed well over 1f out, no extra inside final furlong
with leader and keen, soon hung left, ridden over 1f out, rider dropped whip, weakened inside final furlong
pushed along to chase leaders, outpaced halfway
NOVABRIDGE was bitterly disappointing at Thirsk last time but looks worth another chance now dropped into a seller, while previous winner in this sphere, Tanked Up, and Look 'N' Listen look short-list material. The selection had won a moderate Folkestone maiden on heavy ground on debut, but he was never in it at the North Yorkshire track next time. The reasons for that are unclear, but he did win with plenty of authority first time, and with Jamie Spencer back up then we will give him a chance to atone. Tanked Up has at least won in this grade when he beat Calormen at Catterick last week. The ground will suit, and he is feared in opposition. Look 'N' Listen was comfortably beaten at Thirsk on the same card as our pick, in her case in a claimer. Even so, she showed enough ability that day to suggest that she can get more heavily involved this time. Gartsherrie was last of a trio at Musselburgh last time but should come on for that run and can do better, though Novabridge is the one for us.
Novabridge 7-1 (9-5) Mid-division, lost place 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 12th of 13, 25l behind Bathwick Bear (9-0) at Thirsk 5f 2yo nov stk (4) gd.
Tanked Up (IRE) 9-2 (8-11) Tracked leaders, ridden to lead over 1f out, stayed on, won at Catterick 5f 2yo sll (6) gf beating Calormen (8-11) by 1 1/4l, 8 ran.
Look'n'listen (IRE) 12-1 (8-12) Dwelt, behind, headway 2f out, ridden and effort over 1f out, hung left under pressure inside final furlong, kept on same pace, 5th of 8, 5l behind Lady Brookie (8-3) at Thirsk 5f 2yo clm (4) gd.
Rath Maeve 22-1 (7-9) Behind, hung badly left to outside over 2f out, ridden over 1f out, no impression final furlong, 7th of 8, 8l behind Lady Brookie (8-3) at Thirsk 5f 2yo clm (4) gd.
Sailor Boy (IRE) 66-1 (9-0) Outpaced after 2f, last of 9, 30l behind Mayfair Princess (8-12) at Leicester 5f 2yo mdn aut (5) sft.
Gartsherrie 5-2 (8-12) Tracked winner, ridden over 1f out, soon no impression, lost 2nd inside final furlong, last of 3, 3 1/2l behind Las Verglas Star (9-3) at Musselburgh 5f 2yo mdn (5) gs.