towards rear, never dangerous
prominent, driven over 2f out, ran on to lead inside final furlong, kept on, hand timed
chased leaders, ridden over 1f out, stayed on same pace final furlong
in touch, driven halfway, one pace final furlong
mid-division, ridden over 1f out, stayed on final furlong
mid-division, effort over 2f out, no impression
prominent, pushed along half way, ridden over 1f out, stayed on same pace final furlong
towards rear, headway over 2f out, stayed on final furlong
chased leaders to halfway
mid-division, driven halfway, ridden over 1f out, stayed on towards finish
slowly into stride, always behind
never better than mid-division
chased leaders, driven halfway, ridden when weakening final furlong
led, pushed along halfway, ridden over 1f out, staying on until headed inside final furlong, no extra close home
prominent, pushed along halfway, weakened final furlong
never better than mid-division
chased leaders to halfway
in touch, ridden 2f out, weakened final furlong
A wide open finale could go to Flaxby with Fir Tree and California Laws rated as the main dangers. The selection overcame a wide draw to finish second behind Mount Usher at Beverley last time. That was a good effort and with this drop in trip unlikely to be a problem he gets the nod. The booking of Simon Walker in the saddle is another big plus. Fir Tree was a fair second behind Haroldini at Southwell last time, but he has yet to prove he is as good on the turf. California Laws is interesting as he was a little unlucky when finishing third behind Shade Cozy at Lingfield last time. His stable are in good form and he will give our selection plenty to think about. Tartan Special could go well at a price as Karl Burke's runners are flying at present, but for the winner we will return to Flaxby.
Tagula Bay (IRE) 9-1 (9-8) Held up, effort over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 6th of 8, 8l behind Onlytime Will Tell (9-9) at Redcar 6f clm (6) gd.
Dark Champion 14-1 (8-11) In touch until weakened over 1f out, 8th of 17, 14l behind Dizzy In The Head (8-10) at Catterick 5f clm (5) sft in Nov.
California Laws 6-1 (9-2) Towards rear, plenty to do, not clear run well over 1f out, ran on when clear inside final furlong to take 3rd close home, 3rd of 10, 2 1/2l behind Shade Cozy (9-1) at Lingfield 6f hcp 0-60 (6) pol in Nov.
Flaxby 20-1 (8-11) Mid-division, driven over 2f out, ran on final furlong, nearest finish, 2nd of 16, 1l behind Mount Usher (9-3) at Beverley 7f hcap (6) gf in Apr.
Zantero 33-1 (8-11) Held up in rear, headway from 2f out, ran on final furlong, nearest finish, 4th of 14, 4 1/2l behind Tamora (8-11) at Kempton 7f banded stk (7) pol.
Montana 22-1 (9-9) Led, headed 2f out, soon ridden, one pace and no impression final furlong, 5th of 11, 6l behind Nusoor (8-13) at Thirsk 6f mdn stk (5) gd.
Weakest Link 12-1 (8-13) Led, ridden over 2f out, headed and not quicken inside final furlong, 3rd of 12, 1 1/2l behind Geojimali (9-2) at W'hampton 6f banded stk (7) std.
Fir Tree 9-4fav (8-11) Tracked leaders, ridden to lead over 2f out, headed inside final furlong, no chance with winner, 2nd of 9, 5l behind Haroldini (8-10) at Southwell 6f mdn clm (7) fbs.