tracked leader, ridden and every chance over 1f out, stayed on same pace final furlong
led, was ridden and headed approaching final furlong, weakened inside final furlong
held up behind leaders, pushed along halfway, ridden and one pace final furlong
tracked leaders, ridden to lead approaching final furlong, driven out
mid-division, ridden over 1f out, one pace final furlong
dwelt and was behind, ridden and headway over 1f out, stayed on final furlong
in touch, ridden over 1f out, kept on same pace inside final furlong
towards rear, effort 2f out, no impression
never better than mid-division.
This is a competitive handicap in which Unreal, Witchry and Bold Minstrel look to be the leading players and the vote is given to Unreal. The selection was a progressive filly last season and she won well when last seen out at Sandown when beating Park Approach. She is not ideally drawn today but providing she is fit enough to do herself justice on her seasonal reappearance she should take plenty of beating. Witchry was a little disappointing at Thirsk last time but that was on a soft surface and this faster ground should help to bring about some improvement. Bold Minstrel is well-drawn and he would have claims on the pick of his form, but he has been a little disappointing of late and on that basis we will take him on. Wise Wager is from a yard in form but the draw could have kinder to him and for the winner we will return to Unreal.
Smiddy Hill 20-1 (9-1) Led, ridden and headed over 1f out, no extra inside final furlong, 5th of 9, 2l behind Wunderbra (8-12) at Redcar 5f fll hcp (4) gd in Apr.
Witchry 15-2 (9-0) Towards rear stands' side, chased along halfway, never a factor, 10th of 16, 8l behind Westbrook Blue (8-0) at Thirsk 5f 3yo hcp (3) sft in Apr.
Bold Minstrel (IRE) 14-1 (9-0) Always behind, 13th of 16, 8l behind Abientot (8-1) at Windsor 5f 3yo hcp (4) gf.
Unreal 3-1jt-fav (8-9) Tracked leaders, chased leader just inside final furlong, ran on under pressure to lead final 75 yards, won at Sandown 5f 2yo mdn (D2) gd in Sept beating Park Approach (8-9) by 1/2l, 9 ran.
Theatre of Dreams 25-1 (8-4) In touch, ridden over 2f out, soon weakened, eased inside final furlong, last of 11, 27l behind Mimi Mouse (8-5) at Thirsk 5f 3yo hcp (2) gf.
Wise Wager (IRE) 16-1 (8-6) Slowly into stride, pulling hard in mid-division when not much room on rail over 3f out, never dangerous after, 14th of 16, 10l behind Abientot (8-1) at Windsor 5f 3yo hcp (4) gf.
Wonderful Mind 12-1 (8-9) With leader, every chance well inside final 2f, ridden and weakened final furlong, 7th of 11, 5l behind Louphole (9-0) at Epsom 5f 2yo hcp 0-85 (D2) gd in Oct.
Angelofthenorth 15-2 (8-8) Slowly into stride, always behind, last of 16, 12l behind Abientot (8-1) at Windsor 5f 3yo hcp (4) gf.